The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of employing undemocratic tactics, including blackmail, intimidation, and inducement, to pressure its members particularly serving governors into defecting to the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, alleged that the move was part of a broader strategy by the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to weaken the opposition and impose a one-party system on Nigeria.
Ologunagba’s comments followed a claim made by Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that two PDP governors one from Taraba State and another from the North-West region would soon cross over to the APC.
Describing such defections as products of “coercion, harassment, and political inducement,” the PDP spokesman insisted that they do not reflect the free will of the affected politicians.
“These defections are not voluntary. They are instigated by inducement, harassment, and intimidation. I can assure you they will not last,” Ologunagba said.
He maintained that the PDP remained resilient and was, in fact, attracting new members despite the defections, stressing that the strength of a political party lies in its collective membership and ideals not in individual ambitions.
“A party is not about individuals but about the people. More Nigerians are returning to the PDP because the party is reorganizing and repositioning itself to rescue the country from the current hardship,” he added.
The PDP has repeatedly accused the APC of using state power to manipulate political allegiances, a charge the ruling party has consistently denied
