2027: Between PDP’s Hope for APC Implosion and the Need for Introspection
To make a strong impact in the 2027 general election, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) must focus on internal reforms rather than banking on the collapse of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), writes ONYEDIKA AGBEDO.
PDP Faces Mass Defections as APC Gains Momentum
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with a wave of defections, raising concerns about its ability to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. Recently, three PDP senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—announced their defection to the APC, citing the PDP’s disconnect from Nigerians’ aspirations.
This follows earlier high-profile departures, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Vice-Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, who also joined the APC. These defections have fueled speculation that more PDP members may soon follow suit.
PDP Leaders Pin Hopes on APC’s Collapse
Rather than addressing internal challenges, some PDP leaders are banking on an anticipated implosion within the APC. Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido recently predicted that the ruling party would soon split, potentially leading to mass defections back to the PDP.
“I’m confident that all those who left the PDP will return, including Ganduje, because very soon, the APC will burst and split into factions,” Lamido stated during a PDP congress in Jigawa.
Similarly, former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan claimed the APC is unprepared for an impending internal crisis. “The implosion that is coming in the APC, they will not be able to handle it,” he warned during a television appearance.
APC’s Resilience Defies Predictions
Political analysts argue that the PDP’s strategy of relying on APC’s collapse is flawed. The ruling party, formed in 2013 through a merger of multiple factions, has repeatedly proven its ability to manage internal divisions.
Recent rumors of a CPC faction breaking away were quickly quashed when former Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura and 22 other key figures reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC. Their communiqué dismissed defection claims as “false and mischievous.”
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje dismissed Lamido’s predictions, stating: “The PDP is dead.” He emphasized the APC’s growing strength under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
PDP Urged to Focus on Internal Reforms
Osita Okechukwu, a founding APC member, criticized the PDP’s approach, stating: “Assumption is the mother of all mistakes.” He traced PDP’s decline to its failure to uphold power rotation and internal democracy.
Okechukwu highlighted how the PDP’s decision to field Atiku Abubakar in 2023 alienated southern voters, particularly in the Southeast. “Instead of keeping their house in order, they are now going into the mother of all mistakes by assuming that APC will implode,” he said.
The Path Forward for PDP
For the PDP to regain relevance, experts suggest:
- Addressing internal divisions and rebuilding trust
- Honoring power rotation principles
- Developing a clear vision beyond opposition to APC
- Reconnecting with disillusioned voter bases
As the 2027 elections approach, the PDP faces a critical choice: continue hoping for APC’s collapse or undertake the difficult work of internal reform and reconnection with Nigerian voters.
Credit: The Guardian