Former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Tsauri, has said that the outcome of the party’s upcoming elective convention will play a decisive role in its future and the potential return of key political figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Tsauri, a prominent member of the former Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee, stated that the return of defectors who recently left for the African Democratic Congress-led coalition including Atiku hinges on whether the PDP can successfully elect credible and capable leaders.
“If our meeting on July 23, 2025, goes well and the convention holds as planned, the PDP will remain a formidable political force,” Tsauri told Sunday PUNCH.
“A successful convention could mark a rebirth for the party or its end. And if we get it right, Atiku and others who left are very likely to come back.”
He further noted that Atiku, despite resigning from the PDP, has not officially joined another party, leaving the door open for a return.
Different Views Within the Party
Addressing remarks attributed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde who reportedly downplayed Atiku’s departure Tsauri said such views were unrealistic.
“People are entitled to their opinions, but we must not underestimate the impact of losing someone like Atiku,” he said. “He was, for a long time, the face of the PDP. While his reasons for leaving may be personal, his absence is a major blow.”
He urged the PDP to prioritize a successful convention, insisting that several party members who stepped aside are observing developments and may return depending on the leadership outcome.
PDP Members Still Committed, in a related interview, Rep. Joshua Gana (Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency, Niger State) said loyal party members remain committed to rebuilding the PDP.
“We are genuine PDP members. We will not abandon the party that gave us the platform to serve this country,” Gana said. “By God’s grace, we will remain rooted and grow stronger.”
PDP Is Bigger Than Individuals, NEC Member
Timothy Osadolor, a member of the party’s National Executive Committee and Deputy National Youth Leader, acknowledged Atiku’s influence but maintained the PDP remains solid.
“The PDP is built on strong foundations across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. The exit of any individual cannot shake the entire structure,” he said.
While noting Atiku’s value to any political platform, Osadolor added, “He has left and returned before. The PDP has always remained active, not dormant. Even after former President Obasanjo exited the party, PDP survived and continues to survive.”
Atiku’s Exit Is a Blessing, Odeyemi
However, not all voices in the party see Atiku’s resignation as a loss.
Diran Odeyemi, another NEC member and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, described Atiku’s departure as a “blessing” and expressed hope he never returns.
“It’s no surprise that Atiku left. It’s his usual style when he loses, he vanishes to Dubai and reemerges when the next opportunity arises,”
Odeyemi said. “As a desperate politician lacking strategy, he has done more harm than good to the PDP.”
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