The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has hit back at what it described as an “unprovoked public verbal assault” from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, saying it remains Nigeria’s most formidable opposition force to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The PDP’s reaction follows recent remarks by the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, over its relevance ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Abdullahi, who is a former spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress, APC, had taken a swipe at the PDP over its posturing, a move that has now drawn a sharp rebuke from the PDP leadership.
“But everyone knows the jugular of the PDP is in the hands of the ruling party. Peter Obi, more than anyone else, knows that he cannot take the risk of going to the PDP,” he stated.
But in a statement issued on Tuesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party accused Abdullahi of using the ADC platform to further the agenda of the APC, which he once defended in the public space.
“Bolaji Abdullahi, an individual known for his roles as chief image maker and defender of the lying, deceitful, corrupt and failed All Progressives Congress (APC), to use the platform of the ADC to attack the PDP instead of addressing serious national issues is not only reckless but also revealing,” Ologunagba said.
The PDP’s spokesperson noted that Abdullahi’s criticism was symptomatic of growing unease in the APC and its alleged proxies over the opposition party’s strengthening momentum in the build-up to 2027.
“It is rather unfortunate that the APC-indoctrinated Abdullahi is apparently unhappy that the PDP is building momentum against the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. Hence, this resort to attacking the PDP instead of confronting the APC,” he said.
Ologunagba reiterated the PDP’s status as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform, asserting that the party continues to enjoy the loyalty, solidarity, and support of millions of Nigerians across the country.
He said the PDP is not interested in engaging in public squabbles with the ADC or any other opposition political party, emphasizing that the PDP’s focus is squarely on removing the APC from power.
“Instead, the PDP, with its track record of performance which Nigerians still recall with nostalgia, will continue to vigorously challenge the failed APC on issues while shaping constructive national discourse and galvanizing Nigerians towards voting out the APC and installing a people-oriented government on the platform of our party, come 2027,” he declared.
Reacting to recent defections that have hit the party in some quarters, Ologunagba dismissed them as inconsequential, insisting that the PDP’s core base remains solid and committed.
“Despite the defections of some of our members, it is clear that Nigerians, who are the real organic strength of the PDP, are still standing shoulder to shoulder with our party. The PDP therefore remains the party that has the support base, connections, national spread, and political muscle to unseat the APC,” he said.
The PDP also boasted that it is not lacking in presidential material, affirming that the party is blessed with numerous credible individuals with the capacity to take on and defeat Tinubu or any other APC candidate in the next election.
“Moreover, it is instructive to state that the PDP, as presently constituted, has more than enough presidential personalities with clear records of achievement and capacity to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at any time,” he added.
While calling for unity among opposition parties and concerned Nigerians, Ologunagba emphasized that the PDP remains open to alliances and collaborations with like-minded groups in the quest to “rescue Nigeria from the APC’s misrule.”
He cited the recent gains made by the PDP, especially following the party’s 101st National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting, as evidence of renewed internal unity and strategic focus.
“Our party is working assiduously towards a successful National Convention slated for 15th to 16th November, 2025, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and will not allow itself to be distracted by baseless attacks from known agents of the APC,” the statement noted.
