By Mohammad Lawal Maikudi
There are observations that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has gotten an opportunity to resolve its leadership crises by the exit of some of its founding members recently.
Recall that the PDP has been in leadership turmoil for some years which eventually turned to an opposition party after sixteen years in power at the Federal level.
Those responsible for the crises have announced defecting to Africa Democratic Congress, ADC to prepare for to 2027 elections race.
There also insinuations that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC would seek to work with the remnant of the PDP to consolidate its hold on power beyond 2027.
Top on the list is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,a presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, Sen David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir el-Rufai etc. They left the PDP and joined the Africa Democratic Party, ADC to route out Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 elections.
The group, which includes former governors like Sule Lamido and Aminu Tambuwal, has expressed frustration with the PDP’s internal crises and leadership failures, describing the party as a “shadow of its former self.”
But Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, while addressing the defections, expressed confidence in the party’s resilience, stating, “There’s nowhere as accommodating as our party, but if they feel otherwise, I wish them luck. I know they will run back.”
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on July 2, 2025, after a National Working Committee meeting, Damagum emphasized the PDP’s unity and readiness to address Nigeria’s challenges, including hunger and insecurity. He dismissed the coalition’s prospects, asserting that the PDP remains intact and prepared for its upcoming National Executive Committee meeting on July 23-25.
The departing leaders, however, argue that the PDP has failed to uphold its constitution, leading to disorder and defections driven by APC’s alleged intimidation tactics.
Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, clarified that Atiku could support the coalition without formally leaving the PDP, citing precedents like Nyesom Wike’s alignment with the APC. Despite opposition from some PDP chapters, such as Kwara State, the coalition is gaining traction, with figures like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai reportedly involved.
The PDP, under Damagum, vows to discipline members undermining its unity while bracing for a defining 2027 electoral battle
