Atiku, an ex-vice president, believes that for the PDP to regain control from the dominant All Progressives Congress (APC), it needs to merge with other political entities in the nation.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has clashed with the party over coalition efforts.

The party stated it is not considering a coalition.

Atiku, an ex-vice president, believes that for the PDP to regain control from the dominant All Progressives Congress (APC), it needs to merge with other political entities in the nation.

The Adamawa politician also argues that any PDP member against the coalition idea is aiding the APC in creating a one-party state.

However, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, after its 587th session, declared the party is not involved in any coalition, fusion, or amalgamation discussions with other political entities.

Party spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, informed reporters that the party can secure elections without a coalition.

“Ignore any report hinting at a coalition between the PDP and any other political entity as it is not under our consideration,” Ologunagba stated.

Nonetheless, during a meeting with the National Coalition for PDP Support Group, which visited him in Abuja on Tuesday, Atiku remarked, “Anyone in the PDP opposing the coalition with other political groups is a fifth columnist aiding the APC in transforming the country into a one-party state.”

Recently, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi met with Atiku, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and ex-Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, all from the PDP, stirring speculation about a potential coalition or merger before the 2027 elections.