Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not being considered for inclusion in the opposition coalition being formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.

Lawal, speaking during a televised interview on Arise TV, described the PDP as a party with an “incurable virus” and claimed it lacked the flexibility needed for serious political realignment.

“In all the meetings I’ve attended so far, nobody has ever bothered about adopting the PDP as the platform,” he said. “We all agree that PDP has an incurable virus. No antibiotics can cure what is ailing the PDP, and we don’t want to go into a house that we cannot modify or that is not willing to change.”

He revealed that a technical committee is currently considering whether to register a new political party or revamp an existing one for the coalition’s use. He also confirmed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is a key figure in the ongoing talks.

Lawal described the coalition as a growing alliance of politicians who share the objective of unseating the APC in the next election cycle. He added
that a formal announcement on the political platform would be made soon to address public curiosity.

In a swift response, the PDP dismissed Lawal’s comments, describing them as politically motivated and lacking substance.

A statement issued by Yusuf Dingyadi, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, stated: “While Mr. Lawal is entitled to his personal opinions, we wish to make it categorically clear that the PDP does not seek, nor is it begging for his support or validation in shaping the future of our party or the political direction of this country.”

The party also questioned Lawal’s political relevance, stating that his public service was better known for controversy than for lasting achievements.

“The same cannot be said of Mr. Babachir Lawal, whose tenure in public office is remembered more for controversies than for impact. Rather than being an asset, his political antecedents portray him more as a liability to any serious political project,” it said.

The PDP reiterated its commitment to internal reform and a broader strategy for 2027, including building alliances based on shared values and institutional integrity.

“We are moving forward with a renewed vision to restore hope, rebuild our nation, and reclaim leadership for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the statement added.