2027: Atiku Boycotts PDP North East Leaders Meeting

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar skips the PDP North East leaders’ meeting, fueling speculation ahead of the 2027 elections. 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was conspicuously missing when prominent leaders of the North East zonal caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered in Bauchi. The meeting focused on reconciliation efforts and strategizing for the party’s future, especially concerning the 2027 elections.

The three PDP governors from the region attended Thursday’s meeting: Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

The event was also attended by the PDP Reconciliation Committee, headed by former National Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, along with senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state assembly representatives from the zone.

While other prominent party members who were unable to attend the event sent representatives, Atiku chose not to.

The meeting discussed important matters, especially the forthcoming PDP Zonal and National Conventions, with an emphasis on resolving internal conflicts to fortify the party as the leading opposition.

During the meeting, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagun, the acting national chairman of PDP, encouraged party leaders to put aside their differences and prioritize unity.

He stressed that achieving personal interests would only be possible if the party stayed strong and united.

“Interest is crucial. While we each have different motivations for being involved in politics, the key factor is that you can only reach your objectives if your political platform is robust enough to carry you there,” Damagun stated.

He assured members that the party stands above any single person, emphasizing, “PDP is a resilient force—a proven and reliable party with seasoned politicians who have experienced everything. We possess the ability to endure any challenge.”

Damagun emphasized that his leadership would not cater to any individual’s personal interests, stating, “No one is above the party. We will support and recognize our members; however, if you act against the party’s interests, we will part ways with you.”

In his comments, Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, emphasized the need for reconciliation within the party.

He suggested exchanging party roles between various states to promote unity.

He suggested that positions in Gombe would be relocated to Bauchi, those in Borno transferred to Yobe, and Adamawa’s positions reassigned to Taraba, with the same changes happening vice versa.

He assured members that PDP leaders in the region—including himself, the National Chairman from Yobe, Senator Hassan Dankwambo from Gombe, and Muhammad Imam from Borno—would strive to reduce conflicts and reintegrate former members.

Oyinlola, the head of the Reconciliatory Committee, emphasized the party’s dedication to resolving internal disputes and bolstering its strength in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

He stated that the committee’s goal is to reconstruct a strong PDP capable of effectively competing against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Our goal is to connect with discontented members and repair fractured relationships within the party. We are confident that if all members put aside their differences, PDP can regain power in 2027,” he stated.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri also commented, stating that the committee’s intervention was timely due to the party’s internal crises.

He emphasized that the PDP can reclaim its leadership position only through collective efforts, and he urged all discontented members to embrace reconciliation.

Governor Fintiri assured the committee that the governors would support them in achieving their reconciliation goals and strengthening the party.