By Peter Omopo
As defections of key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to shake the opposition, top PDP leaders are reportedly considering forming a coalition with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senior party officials, including national and zonal officers, told Sunday PUNCH that discussions were already underway to explore alliances with “credible opposition forces” capable of challenging the ruling APC in 2027.
According to insiders, the move became necessary following the loss of several governors, lawmakers, and prominent figures to the APC in recent months — a trend many within the party now see as a threat to its political survival.
Defections Trigger Alarm Within PDP
The PDP has in recent months witnessed a wave of defections that has unsettled its leadership and altered its political dynamics across several regions.
Among those who have dumped the PDP for the APC are Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Similarly, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri resigned from the PDP last week, fuelling speculation about his next political move.
Party sources confirmed that over 20 National Assembly members have also defected to the APC, further weakening the opposition’s parliamentary strength.
The mass defections come amid rising internal wrangling and leadership disputes ahead of the PDP’s planned national convention in November.
Leaders Consider Coalition Strategy
A senior PDP official and member of the convention planning committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many leaders now agree that a coalition is the best option.
“If we are being honest with ourselves, the defections have reduced our political strength,” he said.
“Before now, the South-East and South-South were our strongholds, but we no longer have firm control there. The APC is strong in the South-West, and the African Democratic Congress is gaining momentum in the North. To challenge this dominance, we must unite with credible opposition forces.”
He added that discussions on potential alliances were ongoing and would gain more clarity after the party’s national convention.
South-West Leaders Call for Unity
The South-West Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, stressed that the party must embrace “a concerted democratic effort” to challenge the APC-led government.
“We need collective action to oust this current government,” he said.
“Defections will not have a significant effect if we have a transparent election. Nigerians are tired of the APC, but we must ensure credible polls.”
PDP Youth Wing Backs Coalition
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, described the wave of defections as “shameful” but said the party remained open to collaboration with groups and parties sharing the goal of ending the APC’s rule.
“In light of these unfortunate defections, the PDP is open to working with any credible party or movement committed to removing this hardship government from the lives of Nigerians,” Osadolor said.
He confirmed that high-level discussions on alliances were already taking place behind the scenes, adding that “the ultimate goal is to deliver good governance and end President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027.”
APC Dismisses Coalition Plan
Reacting to the development, APC National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, mocked the idea of a PDP-led coalition, calling it “an exercise in futility.”
“The PDP cannot even organise itself, let alone form an alliance capable of governing Nigeria,” Basiru said.
“Our focus remains on supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ensuring good governance at all levels. When 2027 comes, Nigerians will decide which party truly has the structure and capacity to lead.”
Political analysts say the PDP’s next moves — especially the outcome of its convention and coalition talks — could determine whether the party remains a relevant opposition force or continues to lose ground to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
