By Emmanuel Kwada
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Babachir Lawal, has launched a scathing attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as plagued by an “incurable virus” and irrelevant in ongoing discussions for a potential opposition coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general elections.
In an exclusive interview, Lawal revealed that the PDP is consistently overlooked in coalition talks, casting doubt on the party’s relevance.
Lawal, who is believed to be a key player in efforts to forge a united opposition front alongside figures like Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Nasir El-Rufai (Social Democratic Party), and other big wings expressed frustration with the PDP’s internal disarray.
Atiku Abubakar is a big fish in the PDP, and he has his ways
His remarks come in response to a recent meeting of 11 PDP governors in Oyo State, where they categorically ruled out the possibility of the party joining any coalition or merger.
The governors’ stance has sparked speculation about the viability of Atiku’s 2027 presidential bid and the broader opposition strategy to challenge the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu on the platform.
“Meanwhile, Babachir Lawal says that Atiku Abubakar is a big fish in the PDP, and he has his ways. Despite the PDP being ignored in the coalition talks, he may bring his supporters from the PDP into the coalition.”
Lawal stated that the PDP is not among the alternative parties to consider for the coalition because others believe the PDP has an incurable virus.
Atiku could be doing that for his own personal sake, or to support another candidate
“There’s no condition attached by the hopeful presidential candidates in the coalition requiring them to be given tickets to run. We only decided and desired to form a bigger party to rescue Nigeria from the APC, Lawal disclosed.
“Atiku is more committed than everybody. I can say that based on my analysis of the active role he plays in getting all the groups to come together.
“Atiku could be doing that for his own personal sake, or to support another candidate. But that has never been the issue in these mega talks.
Every time we had discussions with other groups, members of the other groups that are working for a coalition, PDP never comes up
“The issue is let us get together and then join or form a big party in which all contending interests are accommodated. And then allow the democratic process to sort out who becomes what. First of all, the democratic process as who become the leaders of the new party.
“And then as we approach, we do congresses, we do conventions. And finally, a presidential election convention where a candidate. That has always been the mantra.
“All those with presidential ambitions have agreed to keep aside personal ambitions until probably we get to a stage where we’ll be discussing at which stage are we going to contest, do a convention to elect the candidate.
The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, issued a communiqué on April 14, 2025, stating, “Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.” The statement emphasized the party’s intention to remain a standalone opposition force, welcoming individuals or groups to join the PDP instead.
Everybody you talk to about PDP, the answer you get is that it has an incurable virus
Lawal dismissed the governors’ position, accusing them of “mourning themselves” and failing to address the party’s deep-seated issues. “Every time we had discussions with other groups, members of the other groups that are working for a coalition, PDP never comes up,” Lawal stated. “Everybody you talk to about PDP, the answer you get is that it has an incurable virus.”
Lawal revealed that in the numerous meetings he has-dynasties, the coalition discussions have focused on two main options: forming a new political party or joining an existing one.
However, the PDP has never been considered a viable platform. “I’ve never attended a meeting in which PDP is one of the parties that are in consideration,” Lawal said. “As we analyze the parties that we could join, I’ve never had anyone mention PDP.”
The former SGF highlighted the PDP’s ongoing internal crises, including leadership disputes and defections, as reasons for its exclusion. “A lot of the governors and some of the existing stakeholders have reached out to some of us saying that PDP can be repaired,” he said. “But anytime they say that, and they give a timeline, we see the scenario getting worse. So I don’t think they are serious people.”
