By Jose Oby 
In a dramatic turn of events reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has found itself at the epicenter of a nationwide power struggle marked by high-profile defections and escalating rhetoric. Despite recent defections of key figures, party stalwarts including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki remain resolute, vowing to rejuvenate the PDP and present a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The unfolding saga began with the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent PDP leaders to the APC. This development prompted sharp criticism from presidential aides who derided Atiku’s emerging coalition as “a crumbling empire.” In a biting social media post, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga dismissed the coalition as “leprous,” claiming that Atiku’s political relevance is fading.
Tunde Rahman, another presidential aide, echoed the sentiment, branding the coalition “dead on arrival” following the defection of erstwhile loyalists.
But the opposition is not backing down. Mallam Salihu Lukman, a former APC chieftain now aligned with the Atiku-led coalition, dismissed the mockery as premature gloating. According to Lukman, these defections were anticipated and will not derail plans to present Nigerians with a credible political alternative.
“This was no surprise. Signals have long pointed to imminent exits by some governors,” Lukman said. “But the coalition’s objective remains unchanged: to ensure a competitive, democratic process in 2027. What we are building is bigger than a party—it is a movement to correct the errors of both the Buhari and Tinubu administrations.”
Lukman emphasized that efforts are underway to unveil the coalition’s full structure and strategic blueprint, reassuring that recent defections have neither slowed progress nor shaken their resolve.
APC Consolidates Gains Amid NNPP Fallout
Meanwhile, the APC is capitalizing on the moment. Its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, officially welcomed a wave of defectors from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), including Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila and several other influential Kano-based politicians. The ceremony, captured in jubilant photos, marked a significant power shift in Northern Nigeria and underscored deep internal fissures within the NNPP.
The exodus reportedly stems from long-standing grievances against NNPP leader Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, with defectors citing marginalization and internal injustices.
In Osun: Tempers Flare as PDP Faces Mounting Dissent
In Osun State, political temperatures rose following the exit of Hon. Wole Oke, a federal lawmaker representing Oriade/Obokun. Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, NNPP Chairman in Osun, predicted a cascade of defections, blaming the current PDP-led state government for “entertainment-style governance” and a lack of vision.
Odeyemi accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of surrounding himself with sycophants while ignoring competent advice and critical development priorities.
Reacting, PDP’s Media Director, Oladele Bamiji, fired back, accusing Odeyemi and defectors of parochial ambitions and political opportunism. “Those leaving are doing so for personal gain, not principle,” the statement read.
Wole Oke’s Stark Prediction: PDP Will Lose My Constituency
Wole Oke, now politically unaffiliated, warned that the PDP’s fortunes in Osun are grim. Predicting a dismal outcome for the party in his constituency during future elections, he cited systemic neglect and poor governance under Adeleke’s administration as catalysts for his departure.
He challenged critics to wait until the next polls, confidently asserting, “PDP will not get 500 votes in Esa-Oke. Write it down.”
Plateau PDP Unshaken, Says Party Chair
Amid the chaos elsewhere, Plateau State PDP Chairman Chris Hassan remains confident. Speaking at a press briefing in Jos, Hassan reassured party faithful that the state chapter remains strong and united.
“We are not rattled by defections in other states. Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s achievements speak for themselves. Our focus is on consolidating these gains and continuing to serve the people with integrity,” he declared.
Saraki: PDP is Experiencing a Strategic Rebirth
Joining the chorus of voices defending the PDP, Dr. Bukola Saraki delivered a rousing call for resilience. He described the recent turmoil as a necessary reckoning—a pruning process to rid the party of insincerity and foster loyalty.
“Those who wish to leave should do so quietly. We need a committed core to rebuild. Democracy thrives when there are real choices. We must rise above blame and use this moment to rejuvenate the PDP,” Saraki urged.
He also warned of the perils of a one-party state, describing it as antithetical to Nigeria’s diverse sociopolitical fabric.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint. We have ample time to regroup, rebuild, and return stronger. The PDP is not dying; it is being reborn,” he concluded.