‘Reunite for a Better Nigeria’: Anambra PDP Begs Peter Obi to Return, Declares Party Revitalised and Ready for 2025

 

The Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made a passionate call for the return of former Governor Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, to the PDP fold. The appeal was made on Thursday during an expanded State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held in Awka to review the party’s structure and outline a renewed political strategy ahead of upcoming elections.

Led by State Chairman Chidi Chidebe, the PDP in Anambra emphasized the need for unity among progressives and issued what was described as an "open invitation" to all former and aggrieved party members, specifically addressing Mr Obi, who exited the PDP shortly before the 2023 presidential race. His departure, spurred by doubts over securing the PDP’s presidential ticket, led him to the Labour Party, under which he gained significant national traction.

Chidebe, in the communiqué released after the meeting, made it clear that the PDP is undergoing serious internal restructuring and repositioning to reclaim its place as a dominant political force both in Anambra and at the national level. He described the party as “rejuvenated,” calling on Peter Obi to consider the progress made and “return home.”

“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,” Chidebe said. “We will gladly welcome our brothers and sisters back to join us in the collective quest for a better Nigeria.”

The appeal appears rooted not only in sentiment but in a strategic calculation. PDP leaders at the meeting stressed that alliances with political formations lacking ideological coherence, such as those based purely on short-term coalition arrangements, are unlikely to bring about long-lasting electoral success. They positioned the PDP as a party with deep historical roots, broad national infrastructure, and an evolving internal reform system now better suited to accommodate ambition and drive change.

Far from focusing solely on national-level recalibration, the PDP in Anambra turned its attention to local contests as well. Chidebe urged voters across the state to mobilize behind the party’s candidates, notably Jude Ezenwafor and his running mate, Francis Okeke, in the upcoming state election. He described the duo as “capable, visionary, and well-prepared” to address the developmental needs of the people of Anambra.

His message also came with a strong call to action for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), imploring the body to uphold the tenets of democratic fairness, transparency, and neutrality throughout the electoral process. “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,” he said.

Adding to the significance of the meeting, the party unanimously nominated Clems Ezike to occupy the vacant role of national ex-officio member representing Anambra. Chidebe called on the South-East zonal executive committee, headed by Ali Odefa, to formally recognize Ezike’s nomination and forward the recommendation to the PDP national secretariat for ratification.

The tone of the meeting reflected a party not just regrouping but rebranding. Participants praised the recent national executive committee (NEC) session held on May 27, lauding its emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation. Chidebe and other speakers voiced confidence in the conflict-resolution template adopted by the national body, describing it as a crucial step toward healing long-standing internal rifts that have plagued the party across various states.

In a final gesture of reconciliation and inclusion, the communique stressed that the PDP’s doors remain wide open—not just for Peter Obi, but for every stakeholder who once believed in its promise and vision. The broader message seemed unmistakable: the PDP is laying down political arms and extending olive branches, hoping to reassemble a powerful, united front ahead of crucial elections.

Peter Obi, who governed Anambra State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before aligning with PDP and eventually defecting to LP, has yet to publicly respond to the call. However, with Nigeria’s political landscape still in flux and alignments constantly shifting, the Anambra PDP’s appeal may well ignite new conversations about where Obi’s next move might lead.