Friday, September 11, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: Peter Obi dumps PDP, pulls out of presidential primaries

The frontline presidential aspirant feared he might be humiliated at the opposition party’s convention this weekend, Peoples Gazette heard.

• May 25, 2022
Peter Obi
Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi (Photo Credit: Twitter)

Peter Obi, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, has left the main opposition platform, Peoples Gazette can report. 

Mr Obi’s exit, coming on the eve of hotly-contested presidential primaries, came as the politician expressed fears he might be humiliated at the convention in Abuja. 

Mr Obi confirmed his exit to Peoples Gazette on Wednesday evening, saying he caught wind of a gang up against him. 

He did not immediately disclose his next platform. 

The development is expected to put additional spotlight on the PDP’s primaries scheduled to be held in Abuja this weekend, where Mr Obi was initially seen as a front runner in a race that includes Atiku Abubakar, Nyesom Wike, Dele Momodu, Bukola Saraki and other bigwigs. 

A spokesman for the PDP did not immediately return a request seeking comments.

A source familiar with the development said Mr Obi feared he might not do well at the convention, despite his widespread popularity and fame amongst everyday Nigerians.

In a letter to the party chairman, Mr Obi appreciated his membership and left open future collaboration in service to the country.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Herbal alcoholic drinks

States

32 dead, many hospitalised after suspected herbal drink poisoning in Ondo communities

The affected communities are Araromi-Obu and Odigbo, where several residents, mostly youths, fell ill after consuming substances suspected to be herbal alcoholic drinks.

Heading 2

Ex-NFL player LeShon Johnson jailed over dog-fighting operation

U.S. Justice Department accused Mr Johnson of running an operation code-named ‘Mal Kant Kennels’, specifically breeding dogs for fighting before selling them for profit.

Heading 4

Shettima arrives in India for BRICS leaders’ summit

Mr Shettima will join leaders of BRICS member and partner countries for high-level discussions on inclusive global growth, resilience, innovation and sustainable development.

States

Troops arrest suspected terrorist kingpin, ammunition supplier  in Kaduna

Troops arrested suspected terrorists and intercepted ammunition couriers in Kaduna State.

EFCC and FBI

Heading 1

FBI, EFCC to probe USAID funds diversion, mismanagement in Nigeria

The EFCC said the U.S. and Nigerian anti-graft agencies reached an agreement on September 10, 2026.

Agriculture

Ex-Senate leader Ndoma-Egba urges Nigeria-Taiwan tech co-creation in agriculture

Mr Ndoma-Egba said Taiwan’s success in agricultural technology offers an instructive blueprint for African economies seeking to address food insecurity and youth unemployment.