PDP Leaders Consider Alliance Amid Rising Defections
The ongoing defections of governors, lawmakers, and other leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have prompted a strategic shift within the PDP. This move has led to discussions among PDP leaders about forming an alliance with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some key figures within the PDP, including national and zonal principal officers, have hinted at the possibility of such a coalition. They believe that uniting with credible opposition parties could create a formidable force against the APC, which currently holds significant influence in various regions of Nigeria.
Despite the PDP’s historical strength, the party leaders acknowledge that internal challenges and external pressures have necessitated a re-evaluation of their strategies. The party had previously rejected plans for a coalition with other parties, but recent developments have shifted this stance.
PDP Governors’ Forum and Regional Reactions
The PDP Governors’ Forum, which met on April 14, 2025, distanced itself from the opposition coalition that formed the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The governors reaffirmed their commitment to the PDP and declared they would not join any coalition or merger before the 2027 elections.
Similarly, the South-West caucus of the PDP issued a communiqué on July 11, 2025, rejecting coalition talks and urging members to remain united. The statement emphasized the importance of maintaining the party’s internal structure and leadership.
However, despite these declarations, several governors have defected to the APC. Three PDP governors—Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and Peter Mbah of Enugu State—have left the party, along with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri. These defections have raised concerns within the PDP leadership.
Impact on PDP’s Political Strength
The loss of these governors has significantly weakened the PDP’s political base, particularly in regions where it once held strong influence. The party is also grappling with internal sabotage as it prepares for its planned November national convention.
A principal officer of the PDP, who is part of the convention planning committee, revealed that the party is now open to forming alliances with other opposition parties. He acknowledged that the defections have reduced the PDP’s political strength and highlighted the need for a strategic approach to counter the APC’s dominance.
He stated, “If we are not going to deceive ourselves, the defections here and there have reduced our political strength. Hitherto, the South-East and South-South were strongholds of the PDP, but with what is happening now, we don’t have firm control of those regions.”
Calls for Unity and Collaboration
The South-West Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, echoed the need for a concerted effort to oust the current government. While he downplayed the impact of the governor defections, he emphasized the importance of credible elections in determining the outcome of the 2027 polls.
Describing the defections as “shameful,” the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, called for collaboration with any party or group committed to ending the APC’s administration. He stressed that the PDP is open to working with other parties to achieve this goal.
Osadolor added, “We may not be on the streets or in the newspapers or on television, but I can assure you that high-level discussions and engagements are ongoing. All we are interested in is that Nigerian lives get better through good governance.”
APC’s Response
In response to the PDP’s potential alliance, the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the idea as an effort in futility. He argued that the PDP lacks the organizational capacity to lead effectively and questioned its ability to unite with other parties.
Basiru said, “The idea of a PDP alliance with another party doesn’t make sense to some of us. A political party should be one that is able to organise its affairs. The PDP, from all indications, is not even capable of organising its own affairs.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the PDP’s decision to explore alliances will be closely watched. The upcoming national convention and the 2027 elections will likely determine the direction of the party and its future strategy.
