ASABA, Nigeria — Political landscape for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) don dey shake as prominent members don dey jump ship to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Dis trend of defection don provoke claims from the PDP and NNPP say APC dey misuse state resources to pull dem members over to their side.
Dis defection wave no be small matter, as e don affect other political groups too. Recent figures from The PUNCH show say more than 300 PDP members don switch to APC from February 2024 to February 2025, citing internal crisis as their main reason. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, along with former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other local party leaders, officially join APC, further cementing the ruling party’s dominance.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” Senator James Manager state for Asaba after the marathon meeting of Delta PDP members. E added say all members, from the Speaker to the local government chairmen, don agree to follow the APC.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Aniagwu Charles, confirm say this decision no be easy, but necessary for the state’s development. He explain say, “We believe that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of.”
Furthermore, Senator Kawu Sumaila of Kano South don also confirm him own defection from NNPP to APC, emphasizing say him focus na the welfare of him people. “All politics is local, and my primary concern has always been, and remains, the welfare of my immediate constituency,” e talk.
Oluwole Oke, a long-serving House member, don resign from PDP too, citing division within the party as his reason. For a letter dated April 16, 2025, Oke wrote, “I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect.” He express disappointment about PDP’s current state but refuse to give more details.
As political maneuvering continue, there are reports say other prominent members from NNPP and Labour Party dey eye APC for alignment, with some leadership discussing transition with APC leaders.
APC welcomed all the new members, assert say dem position don strengthen the party. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka add say, “Our great Party welcomes this important development, and assures the Governor and incoming leaders and members of Delta PDP of our fullest cooperation.”
On the flip side, PDP and NNPP chieftains don accuse APC of coercing defections. Timothy Osadolor, PDP National Youth Leader, criticize the move, alleging say many are making decisions under duress. E accuse the ruling party of “weaponizing state institutions” to intimidate opposition members.
For a greater spotlight, the national news outlets dey report say this defection trend no just signify personal interests but also signal potential political shifts ahead of the 2027 elections. Osadolor express concerns that some governors instead of galvanizing support for the party dey seek personal advantages.
“We must maintain our unity and direction for the good of our party,” Osadolor caution, showing strong sentiments about the internal struggles within PDP.
The political climate dey heat up as APC continue to attract more defectors, raising questions about how these shifts go impact Nigeria’s political dynamics and the opposition’s ability to strategize ahead of future elections.
