By Dada Ahmed.
Once the pride of Nigeria’s political landscape and then Africa’s largest party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) now battles for its very soul. Once dominant and seemingly invincible, the party has in recent years sunk into a spiral of internal discord, defections, and leadership crises. The question on the lips of political observers is now: Can the PDP be saved from extinction?
Founded in 1998, PDP once held sway at the centre for 16 uninterrupted years, producing three presidents and dominating both chambers of the National Assembly. Its early years were defined by cohesion, strong political machinery, and an aura of national acceptance. But since losing power in 2015 to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party has struggled to reinvent itself.
The most recent blow came in the form of high-profile defections. Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, under the platform of PDP has jumped the party and embraced the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Similarly, respected party elders like Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Shetima Agbogun among other stalwarts in many states of the federation have also left PDP while others are said to be warming to follow suit.These are not ordinary members, they are heavyweights whose exits reflect deep cracks within the PDP structure.
A mass defection hits the party in Kogi as Dekina LGA, Ward Executives join ADC.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State has experienced a significant shift as all its Local Government and Ward Executive members have resigned their positions and declared support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a joint resignation letter addressed to the PDP Local Government Chairman, the former executives cited the need to contribute to national development as part of their reason for joining the ADC.
According to the letter, which was also copied to The Nigerian Post, the following individuals were among those who resigned:
Hon. Ibrahim Hussaini – Former Dekina LGA Chairman
Amodu Sunday – Ward Secretary, Odu Ward
Abdullahi Sunday – Secretary, Odu Ward
Okpanachi Alih – Abocho Ward
Aladi Isaac – Woman Leader, Abocho Ward
Saidatu Bala – Woman Leader, Odu Ward 1
Hon. Ademu Yusuf – Former Secretary, Dekina LGA
Hussaini Yahaya – Woman Leader, Dekina Ward
Alhaji Bashiru – Ward Chairman, Egume Ward
Suleiman Musa – Ward Chairman, Okura Ward
Omenetu Daikwo – Woman Leader, Emewe Ward
This development marks a major realignment within the political landscape of Dekina LGA ahead of future elections.
Major Tsunami Hit Kogi PDP As All Dekina LGA, Ward Executives Resign, Join ADC.

Major Tsunami Hit Kogi PDP As All Dekina LGA, Ward Executives Resign, Join ADC.

A major political tsunami has hit the People’s Democratic Party in Dekina LGA of Kogi State as all the Local Government Executive members and all the Ward Executives at the level have dumped the Party for the African Democratic Congress.
In a letter addressed by the Ward Executives to the Local Government Government Party Chairman of the PDP, the Ward Executives said they are dumping the PDP for ADC to rescue Nigeria.
Some of those who dumped the PDP in their letter copied to the Nigerian Post include:
Hon. Ibrahim Hussaini
Dekina LGA Chairman
Amodu Sunday, Ward Secretary Odu Ward
Abdullahi Sunday, Secretary Odu Ward and
Okpanachi Alih
Abocho Ward
Aladi Isaac, Woman Leader, Abocho Ward
Saidatu Bala
Woman Leader Odu Ward 1
Hon. Ademu Yusuf
Secretary Dekina
Hussaini Yahaya
Woman Leader, Dekina Ward
Alhaji Bashiru
Ward Chairman Egume Ward
Suleiman Musa
Ward Chairman Okura
Omenetu Daikwo
Woman Leader Emewe Ward
Political analysts note with concern that the common thread tying these defections together is leadership failure. Many party stalwarts expressed concern that the National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party are lacking in vision and the ability to enforce discipline and unity within the party structure. Consequently,the once-respected organs of the party are now perceived as weak, factionalized, and reactive rather than strategic.
Another key issue is the absence of ideological clarity. While the APC continues to project itself, at least rhetorically,as a progressive force, the PDP appears rudderless. Many of the members leaving the party believe that it has failed to present a clear alternative to the ruling party. They observe that voters are left wondering what does the PDP stand for today beyond the ambition of its individual members?
Political analysts also hold the view that the 2023 elections further exposed the party’s disunity. The bitter rift between the G5 governors and the national leadership over zoning and presidential candidacy weakened the PDP’s performance nationwide. Despite fielding Atiku as its presidential candidate, the party was unable to build a united front against the APC and Labour Party. Therefore,internal sabotage and poor grassroots mobilization cost the party dearly.
In many state chapters, the story is the same, infighting, lack of direction, and poor organisation. In Rivers State, for example, the feud between the Wike faction and the national body remains unresolved.
The party has lost its structure in several states, a development that further compounded its national problem.
Perhaps,one major problem in the party is what members of political class doescribed as its lack of generational transition. Many of the same faces who dominated PDP leadership since 1999 are still calling the shots. There has been little effort to groom and empower younger politicians, leaving the party stuck in old tactics in a rapidly evolving political climate dominated by youth-driven movements.
Sources also identified financial constraints as one of the factors threatening the PDP’s survival. With dwindling access to public resources and donors defecting to other parties, the party struggles to fund its operations effectively. Poor financing has affected its ability to hold regular meetings, support state chapters, and run aggressive campaigns.
Yet, all hope is not lost. The PDP can rise again, but only if it undertakes sincere internal reforms.
First, the party must reconvene a National Reconciliation Conference, involving both current and estranged members, to genuinely address grievances. There must be a commitment to inclusiveness, fairness, and justice in party affairs.
Secondly, the PDP must redefine its ideological compass.The fact remains that Nigerians are desperate for a political alternative that reflects competence, transparency, and enhanced youth Political gladiators watching the scenario in PDP stress that it must articulate a people-driven manifesto that reflects these values and stick to it, not just during campaigns, but in its day-to-day engagements.
The party, otter Migrations urge, also needs younger, visionary leadership. They argue that while the experience of elders is vital, there must be a deliberate handover to energetic and progressive minds who understand the pulse of modern politics and the digital age. According to political analysts, blend of wisdom and innovation is what PDP needs at this point to recover from the political shock.
At the state level, the national body must enforce discipline and unity, even if it means expelling high-profile members who continue to cause internal divisions. PDP must learn to act firmly and fairly, treating all members equally regardless of political clout or financial muscle, according to keen watchers of political climate of the nation.
Strategic alliances could also help PDP regain relevance. A coalition with like-minded parties, civil society groups, and youth movements can boost its strength and national reach. But this must be done with sincerity, not as a last-minute electoral tactic, some Nigerians also advised.
Ultimately, PDP must reconnect with the people, especially the youth and rural voters.In this regard, it must return to grassroots mobilization, open town halls, and issue-based campaigns. Only by doing this can it hope to win back the trust and relevance it once enjoyed.
No doubt,Nigeria’s democracy needs a strong opposition and PDP can play that role, if it finds the courage to reform, rebuild, and reconnect. If not, history may remember it as a party that lost a golden legacy, the recovery of which may be too difficult to achieve.
Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
