Two lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ondo State House of Assembly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday. As a result of this defection, the APC now holds complete control over the 26-member Assembly, facing no opposition.
In light of recent defections of significant figures to the APC, the opposition PDP has accused the ruling party of facilitating this exodus through intimidation, coercion, and blackmail.
Despite the departures from its ranks, the PDP Northern Support Group, which consists of loyalists and affiliated organizations within the opposition party, has endorsed former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the 2027 presidential election.
During a briefing with journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja yesterday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, characterized the defections as politically motivated distractions aimed at undermining the party in advance of the 2027 general elections. He reiterated the party’s commitment to enhancing internal democracy and preparing for its national convention.
Ologunagba remarked, “The increasing reports of defections indicate that we are the party to monitor,” in response to worries regarding governors departing from the party. He asserted that the PDP, being the “only truly democratic party in Nigeria,” is grounded in the will of the people and remains an institution founded on lasting ideals rather than individual personalities. He criticized the APC’s purported role in enticing PDP members away, using a biblical reference: “The Egyptians you see today, you shall see no more.
The APC, which is orchestrating all of this, will be gone by 2027.” At the subcommittee meeting, the Chairperson of the PDP Convention’s Entertainment and Welfare Committee, Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasized the committee’s dedication to providing an inclusive, vibrant, and culturally rich convention experience.
The decision of the PDP support group to endorse Jonathan was among the significant resolutions made during the group’s 8th meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, from October 8 to 9, 2025. This meeting attracted participants from all 19 northern states to discuss the current status of the PDP and formulate strategies for its repositioning in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
A communiqué released at the conclusion of the meeting, which was signed by the Northern Coordinator, Yusuf Abubakar, and the North-West Zonal Secretary, Adamu Narayi, characterized Jonathan as a representation of peace, unity, and progress, commending his maturity and dedication to protecting Nigeria’s democracy. Furthermore, the coalition rejected ongoing discussions regarding his eligibility to run again, affirming that this issue had already been resolved.
