2027 Election: Atiku Shocks Everyone by Boycotting PDP North East Leaders Meeting

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was notably absent from a crucial meeting of the North East Zonal Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which took place in Bauchi on Thursday. The meeting, aimed at discussing reconciliation efforts and strategizing for the future, particularly in preparation for the 2027 elections, was attended by key party figures from the region, including the three PDP governors from the North East: Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Also present at the meeting were members of the PDP Reconciliation Committee, headed by former National Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as well as senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state assembly members from the zone. While many other prominent party members who could not attend sent representatives, Atiku did not provide any representation or explanation for his absence.

The discussions at the meeting focused on key matters, particularly the upcoming PDP Zonal and National Conventions, and the urgent need to resolve internal conflicts to solidify the party’s position as the main opposition ahead of the next general elections.

During the meeting, the acting national chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagun, called for party unity, urging leaders to put aside personal differences in favor of the collective good. He emphasized that the party’s strength is essential for achieving individual goals. “Interest is paramount. We are all in politics for various reasons, but the most important thing is that you can only achieve your goals when your political vehicle is strong enough to take you to your destination,” Damagun remarked.

Damagun also made it clear that his leadership would not serve the personal agendas of individuals. “Nobody is above the party. We will support and acknowledge our members, but if you go against the party’s interests, we will part ways with you,” he stated.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, called for further reconciliation within the party. He proposed the idea of swapping party positions across different states to foster unity. His suggestion included moving positions in Gombe to Bauchi, positions in Borno to Yobe, and reassigning Adamawa’s positions to Taraba, and vice versa. He reassured the meeting that PDP leaders in the region, including himself, National Chairman from Yobe, Senator Hassan Dankwambo from Gombe, and Muhammad Imam from Borno, would collaborate to reduce conflicts and reintegrate former members.

Olagunsoye Oyinlola, head of the Reconciliation Committee, reiterated the committee’s dedication to addressing internal issues and fortifying the party ahead of the 2027 elections. “Our mission is to reach out to aggrieved members and mend broken relationships within the party. We believe that if all members set aside their differences, PDP can reclaim power in 2027,” Oyinlola said.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri praised the timely intervention of the committee, acknowledging the internal crises within the party. He emphasized that the PDP could only regain its leadership position through collective effort, encouraging all aggrieved members to embrace the reconciliation process. Governor Fintiri also assured the committee that the governors would support their efforts to strengthen the party and restore unity.