Defections Shake PDP as APC Leaders Predict Collapse…The political atmosphere surrounding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to grow tense as high-profile figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) predict the imminent collapse of Nigeria’s main opposition party.
With increasing defections and deepening internal crises, key APC leaders have voiced their confidence that the PDP may not survive the mounting turbulence ahead of the next round of elections.
The APC’s national leadership, speaking at a recent event where several former PDP members were formally received into the ruling party, described the PDP as a political organization on the brink of collapse. They cited the party’s inability to present viable candidates for upcoming elections as a clear indication of its fading relevance in the national political space.
Highlighting the situation in Anambra State as a case in point, the APC leadership ridiculed the PDP’s repeated extension of deadlines for screening governorship aspirants. According to them, the fact that no serious candidate had stepped forward under the PDP banner reflected a growing lack of confidence in the party’s direction and leadership.
Political watchers have also noted that the internal divisions within the PDP have become more visible and damaging in recent months. A key figure in these internal conflicts is a former governor and current minister, who remains influential in both his home state and the broader political landscape. He has publicly stated that the PDP would suffer a political “tsunami” if he were to leave the party, a warning that underscores the fragile unity currently holding the party together.
According to the minister, ongoing efforts by rival factions within the PDP to seize control of the party structure—particularly in key states—are fueling discontent among longtime stakeholders. He insisted that his loyalty to the PDP remains intact but warned that any attempt to strip him or his allies of influence could provoke a wave of defections too large for the party to withstand.
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In his words, political structures are not built on sentiment or wealth alone but on loyalty and service over time. He argued that certain governors and national officials within the PDP have acted without regard for those who have long upheld the party at both state and national levels, leading to growing alienation and frustration.
The feud between governors, party leaders, and the national working committee has already resulted in high-profile suspensions, public rebukes, and intense media exchanges. As tensions escalate, the possibility of an open split within the PDP is becoming increasingly likely.
Meanwhile, the APC has been quick to capitalize on the turmoil. Receiving prominent defectors, including serving and former legislators, the APC leadership has described the wave of cross-party movement as proof that the ruling party remains the most stable and inclusive political platform in the country. The party has made clear its intent to deepen its presence across traditionally PDP-dominated regions, particularly in the South-South and Southeast.
The APC also reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming new members, emphasizing that the ruling party provides better prospects for political growth, unity, and national relevance. Former PDP members who have recently joined the APC echoed similar sentiments, citing infighting, lack of direction, and marginalization within the PDP as reasons for their exit.
As the 2025 general elections draw closer, the PDP faces mounting pressure to put its house in order. The party’s ability to resolve internal conflicts, rebuild trust among its members, and field credible candidates will determine whether it can remain a viable opposition force—or whether it will indeed disintegrate under the weight of defections and division.
What happens in the coming months will not only shape the future of the PDP but may also redefine Nigeria’s political landscape, with the APC poised to extend its dominance if the opposition continues to falter.
