The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using undemocratic tactics, including blackmail, intimidation, and inducement, to force its members—particularly serving governors—to defect to the ruling party.
In a statement on Friday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, alleged that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was determined to cripple the opposition and impose a one-party state on Nigeria.
Ologunagba’s remarks followed claims by Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 7 that the Governor of Taraba State and another North-West governor would soon defect to the APC.
The PDP spokesperson dismissed the claim, insisting that many of the reported defections were not voluntary but rather a result of harassment, coercion, and inducement.
“The defections you see today are instigated by intimidation and inducement, but they will not last,” Ologunagba said. “A political party is not about individuals; it’s about the people. As some are leaving, many more are returning because the PDP is reorganizing itself and regaining public trust.”
Meanwhile, a PDP Northern Support Group has reaffirmed its full backing for the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, and endorsed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the group’s 8th Northern Support Group Meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, between October 8 and 9, 2025. The meeting brought together party leaders and representatives from all northern states to strategize on strengthening the PDP ahead of the next elections.
The communiqué, signed by Hon. Yusuf Abubakar (Northern Coordinator) and Hon. Adamu Ahmed Narayi (North-West Zonal Secretary), commended Ambassador Damagum’s reconciliation and unity-building efforts, describing him as a stabilizing force within the party.
The group also maintained that the PDP remained a strong and credible platform capable of reclaiming power from the APC at both the national and state levels, provided members demonstrate unity and commitment to the party’s founding ideals.
Reiterating its support for Jonathan’s return, the group described him as “a symbol of peace, unity, and progress,” calling on party stakeholders nationwide to begin early mobilization for his candidacy.
“There is no going back on Goodluck Jonathan as the candidate to redeem the party’s image in 2027,” the communiqué stated. “He remains one of Nigeria’s most patriotic leaders, having sacrificed personal ambition for national peace by conceding defeat in 2015.”
