As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections draw nearer, political tremors are shaking the country’s power blocks. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), once thought to be crumbling under the weight of defections, is showing signs of a powerful resurgence led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Despite the exit of some influential members, the opposition coalition is far from broken. A key figure, Mallam Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the APC, insists the recent defections were expected and won’t derail the coalition’s mission.
In a statement released in Abuja, he responded to the Presidency’s recent jabs, particularly from presidential aides Bayo Onanuga and Tunde Rahman, who declared the Atiku-led alliance as “dead on arrival.”
According to Lukman, “The beauty of democracy lies in competition. We are simply offering Nigerians a better choice in 2027.”
He emphasized that although some PDP governors, like Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, have defected, the coalition remains intact and focused. He even hinted that more defections could still happen — both ways.
Lukman urged remaining PDP governors to reconsider their positions and align with the coalition aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s political future. “We’re building a movement to correct past errors and offer real leadership beyond sectional politics,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Kano, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, welcomed a fresh wave of defectors from the NNPP, including Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila and Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum. The move was seen as a direct blow to the Kwankwaso-led NNPP, with the defectors citing marginalization and internal injustice as reasons for their exit.
In Osun State, the NNPP Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, also predicted a mass exodus from the PDP. Following the defection of Hon. Wole Oke, who represented Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, Odeyemi claimed more defections are imminent due to dissatisfaction with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership. He described Adeleke’s government as surrounded by sycophants and lacking strategic direction.
However, the PDP quickly fired back. Through its Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji, the party dismissed Odeyemi’s claims as baseless and driven by greed. The statement accused defectors of seeking personal gain rather than genuine service to the people.
Oke, who has served multiple terms under PDP, maintained that his constituents endorsed his decision to leave. “PDP won’t get up to 500 votes in Esa-Oke in the next election,” he declared, promising a landslide loss for the party in his federal constituency.
In Plateau State, however, the PDP remains confident. State Chairman Chris Hassan assured party loyalists that defections in other states won’t weaken their platform. He praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his people-centered governance and urged members to stay united.
As the nation watches with keen interest, one thing is clear — the battle for 2027 has begun, and every move counts.
What do you think about the recent political defections? Do they signal a stronger APC or a revitalized PDP? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow NIGPOST for more in-depth political updates.
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