PDP Can Win 2027 Without Coalition, Party Name Must Stay, Says Abba Moro

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro has firmly rejected suggestions that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needs to form coalitions or merge with other opposition parties to remain competitive in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT), Moro emphasized that the PDP remains a formidable political brand across Nigeria despite experiencing significant defections in recent times.

"I've said it before, PDP is a big brand. If you go to every nook and cranny of Nigeria today, you will find PDP members," Moro stated, addressing growing speculations about potential alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Senate Minority Leader's comments come at a time when some PDP governors have publicly distanced themselves from coalition talks, raising questions about the party's strategy moving forward.

"Even without a coalition or merger, PDP can contest and be competitive in the next election," Moro asserted, while acknowledging that coalition arrangements could be beneficial if properly structured.

However, the senator drew a clear line regarding the party's identity, warning against any merger that would require abandoning the PDP name. "If there's going to be a coalition, that's fine. But if it's a merger that requires dropping the PDP name entirely, then that's a dangerous path," he cautioned.

Moro further emphasized the strength of the PDP brand, stating that it "resonates across the country" and is "capable of winning elections in its own right." He concluded that "retaining the name is crucial" for the party's future prospects.

The PDP, which ruled Nigeria for 16 consecutive years (1999-2015) before losing power to the All Progressives Congress (APC), has faced increasing challenges in recent years, including high-profile defections and internal conflicts that have weakened its position as the main opposition party.

Political analysts suggest that Moro's statements reflect ongoing debates within opposition circles about the most effective strategy to challenge the ruling party in the upcoming general elections.