As internal tensions continue to rock the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), party chieftain Segun Sowunmi has issued a stern warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his push for a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, who is leading efforts to unite opposition parties in a bid to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, recently declared that the proposed coalition would align with any platform committed to good governance.

However, speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Sowunmi expressed deep reservations about the plan, urging Atiku not to “empty a big party into some small organization.”

Sowunmi, who described himself as Atiku’s most loyal political ally, argued that the PDP remains the strongest vehicle for electoral victory and warned that any attempt to sideline it in favor of a broader coalition could be politically disastrous.

“You were given the PDP presidential ticket twice. You were made Vice President under the PDP. Whatever coalition, amalgamation, or alliance you’re contemplating must be done within the PDP,” Sowunmi said.

He further claimed that many politicians expressing interest in the coalition do not genuinely support Atiku, suggesting that their loyalty is questionable.

“I’ve gone round and I know what they say behind closed doors. They may be pretending. I am your most loyal soldier. You don’t have another like me. Do not deceive yourself,” he warned.

Sowunmi also questioned Atiku’s decision to champion a coalition at a time when the PDP — a party that has favored him significantly — is battling internal crises.

“Shall a leader desert his house just because there’s a crisis, especially one that has favored him one too many?” he asked.

The PDP stalwart also extended an olive branch to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, urging him to return to the PDP to strengthen the opposition’s chances in 2027.

According to Sowunmi, Obi’s performance in the 2023 election demonstrated his capacity to draw significant support, which could be pivotal if channeled through the PDP platform.