Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday assured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the party remains strong despite recent high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Saraki’s comments follow the dramatic switch by former Delta State Governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and incumbent Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, along with the state’s PDP political structure, to the APC.
In response, Saraki emphasized the need to reposition the PDP, stating, “Those who want to leave should go. The rest of us will rebuild the party and offer Nigerians a viable opposition.”
APC Declares 2027 a “Done Deal”
Meanwhile, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, hailed the defections as a major boost for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. While welcoming former NNPP leaders from Kano State into the APC in Abuja, Ganduje claimed that more opposition governors were on their way.
“The Delta State Governor is now in APC, including his cabinet, lawmakers, and even a former vice-presidential candidate,” Ganduje said. “2027 is a done deal for APC.”
PDP Reacts with Disappointment, But Holds Ground
Reacting to the development, PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, expressed disappointment, particularly with Okowa and Oborevwori.
“It’s painful. We gave Delta State our full support,” Damagum said, while assuring party loyalists that new structures would be put in place swiftly.
Damagum also argued that the 2027 elections would not be about how many governors a party has but about the will of ordinary Nigerians. “This election is APC versus Nigerians, not just opposition leaders,” he said.
State Chapters and Coalition Respond
In Osun, the PDP dismissed the defection of House of Reps member, Hon. Wole Oke, as consistent with his pattern of political inconsistency. The party described his move as unsurprising and self-serving.
In Edo, PDP leaders warned members to be wary of saboteurs within the party. Caretaker Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi reaffirmed the party’s strength, while elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi emphasized that Nigeria’s future depends on the survival of the PDP.
“The APC is now a tool for personal interests,” Ikimi said. “We must preserve the PDP to restore balance to Nigeria’s democracy.”
Coalition Says It’s Unfazed
A coalition of opposition political parties said the defections would not derail plans to mount a united challenge to the APC in 2027. Dr. Salihu Lukman, a former APC chieftain and coalition member, described the wave of defections as political posturing, affirming that preparations for a stronger opposition are underway.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze.
