The ongoing defections of governors, lawmakers, and other prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have prompted senior PDP leaders to explore alliances with other opposition parties.
Some party chieftains, including national and zonal officers, told Sunday PUNCH that the PDP was planning to form a coalition with credible opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They noted that while the PDP “remains strong and accepted,” a united opposition front would create a more formidable challenge to the APC.
Earlier this year, both the PDP and its governors had rejected coalition proposals. On April 14, 2025, the PDP Governors’ Forum distanced itself from the opposition bloc that led to the formation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pledging loyalty to the PDP.
Similarly, the South-West caucus, in a communiqué issued on July 11, 2025, stated that it was “not part of the reported coalition” and urged members to remain steadfast under the party’s leadership.
However, since the governors’ meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, at least three PDP governors have defected. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and other PDP members, joined the APC on April 23, just days after the forum’s meeting.
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno and his cabinet followed on June 6, while Enugu Governor Peter Mbah defected on October 14. Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri also resigned from the party last Wednesday.
Beyond the governors, no fewer than 20 National Assembly members have also left the PDP for the APC. The exodus has unsettled party leaders, who are simultaneously grappling with internal divisions ahead of the planned November national convention.
A PDP principal officer and member of the convention planning committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the party leadership was now considering a coalition strategy.
“If we are not going to deceive ourselves, the defections here and there have reduced our political strength,” he said.
“The South-East and South-South were once PDP strongholds, but that grip has weakened. The best approach now is to form alliances with credible opposition parties. Discussions have begun, and we’ll decide after the convention.”
South-West PDP Chairman, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for a united front.
“We need a concerted democratic effort to oust this current government,” he said. “If elections are credible, the defections will not have much impact because Nigerians are disenchanted with the APC.”
Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, described the defections as “shameful” but said the party remained open to collaboration with any group committed to removing the APC government.
“More than ever before, the PDP is ready to work with any party that shares our mission to end President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027,” he stated, adding that “high-level discussions and engagements are ongoing.”
Efforts to reach PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the development, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the planned coalition as futile. “The idea of a PDP alliance doesn’t make sense,” he said. “The PDP cannot even organise its own affairs, let alone be trusted to lead a coalition or the country.
Our focus remains supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ensuring our governors deliver on democratic dividends.”
