The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has publicly appealed to former governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to return to the party, describing him as a “revered leader” and an important figure in its rebuilding process.
This appeal was made on Thursday after an enlarged meeting of the PDP State Executive Committee (SEC) in Awka, where the party reviewed its current position and planned ahead for future elections.
In a communiqué signed by the Anambra PDP Chairman, Mr. Chidi Chidebe, the party expressed concerns over forming alliances with what it called “ideologically incompatible political formations” under the guise of coalition politics. The party stated that such alliances are unlikely to yield meaningful results and reiterated its commitment to strengthening the PDP from within.
“The committee extends an open invitation to all aggrieved and former members of the PDP in Anambra, particularly our revered former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, to return home and reunite with the now rejuvenated and restructured PDP,” the statement read.
“We will gladly welcome our brothers and sisters back to join us in the collective quest for a better Nigeria,” Chidebe added.
Peter Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014 under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), later joined the PDP and was its vice-presidential candidate in 2019. He left the party in 2022, shortly before the presidential primaries, and became the Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 general election, where he came third behind APC’s Bola Tinubu and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar.
The PDP also used the meeting to rally support for its candidates in the coming election. The party urged Anambra voters to back Mr. Jude Ezenwafor and his running mate, Mr. Francis Okeke, and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair elections.
“We call on the good people of Anambra to remain steadfast in their historic support for the PDP and to come out en masse to vote for our candidates,” the chairman said.
As part of its internal reorganisation, the party unanimously nominated Chief Clems Ezike to fill the vacant position of National Ex-Officio from Anambra State. The SEC called on the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee, led by Chief Ali Odefa, to recognise Ezike and forward his name to the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.
Chidebe praised the party’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on May 27 and commended its approach to resolving internal disputes.
The PDP has faced internal divisions and electoral setbacks in recent years, especially in the Southeast, where it once held strong influence. The defection of key figures like Peter Obi and the rise of the Labour Party have further weakened its grip in the region.
With this fresh call for unity, the Anambra chapter is hoping to bring back old allies, rebuild trust among members, and position the party for a stronger performance in future elections.