Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not be part of the emerging opposition coalition gearing up to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Speaking about the formation of a new political front, Lawal revealed that PDP has been ruled out of consideration by coalition stakeholders, citing what he described as deep-rooted dysfunction within the party.

“Across all our meetings, no one has proposed adopting the PDP as our platform,” Lawal stated. “Everyone agrees the PDP has a chronic ailment that no reform can cure. It’s a structure that resists transformation, and we are not interested in inheriting liabilities.”

He disclosed that a technical committee is currently weighing the option of either floating a new party or revamping an existing one. According to him, the opposition effort is gaining momentum among key political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is said to be a driving force behind the initiative.

The planned coalition, Lawal said, is built on the shared objective of unseating the APC and establishing a credible alternative grounded in integrity and reform-minded leadership.

This announcement comes amid internal crises within the PDP, especially over the unresolved leadership tussle between Sunday Ude-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu for the position of National Secretary—a conflict that has deepened factionalism in the party since its 2023 presidential election loss.

Reacting swiftly, the PDP dismissed Lawal’s remarks as ill-informed and politically irrelevant. In a statement signed by Yusuf Dingyadi, media aide to the acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, the party insisted it had no need for Lawal’s validation or endorsement.

“Babachir Lawal’s comments are nothing more than a bitter outburst from a man desperate to remain relevant,” the statement read. “The PDP remains the most experienced and nationally established political party in Nigeria. We are not seeking Lawal’s approval to determine our course or that of the nation.”

The party also questioned Lawal’s credibility, referencing his controversial public service record and suggesting that his presence in any political formation could be more of a liability than an asset.

“Unlike Mr. Lawal, whose legacy in public office is tainted by scandal rather than service, the PDP has a solid track record of governance. His attack on our party is a clear attempt to gain attention in a political movement that he may be unfit to lead,” the party noted.

Reaffirming its commitment to 2027, the PDP emphasized its ongoing restructuring efforts and readiness to engage in strategic, value-driven alliances—not coalitions built on personality cults or political opportunism.

“Our doors remain open to genuine partnerships, not ego-driven coalitions built around individuals with questionable democratic credentials,” the statement added.

PDP concluded by urging its members and supporters to remain focused and ignore what it described as “uninformed noise” from political players seeking personal relevance rather than national redemption.