PDP Faces Fresh Defections As ADC Coalition Gains Momentum

The formal unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the central platform for an opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections has sparked apprehension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), raising fears of a fresh wave of defections by top members.

Reports indicate that several influential PDP figures who were actively involved in Tuesday’s high-level coalition meeting in Abuja are finalising plans to exit the party and take control of ADC structures in their respective states.

Naija News reports that prominent PDP leaders, including former Senate President David Mark, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, openly criticised the PDP, describing it as “a shadow of itself,” and urged Nigerians to rally behind the new coalition as a credible alternative for 2027.

Also in attendance at the Abuja meeting were former governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), alongside Sule Lamido (Jigawa), ex-Minister of Police Affairs Waziri Maina, Senators Abdul Ningi and Tunde Ogbeha, and former Minister of External Affairs Chief Tom Ikimi.

Barely hours after the meeting, a resignation letter from David Mark addressed to the PDP chairman of Otukpo Ward in Benue State emerged online. Dated June 27, the letter read in part:

“I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect… Recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self.”

Mark explained that after extensive consultations with family and associates, he decided to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement, aimed at “rescuing the nation and safeguarding our democracy.”

Party insiders suggest Mark’s departure could trigger a series of exits, with many PDP stalwarts linked to the coalition expected to defect, while others may stay in the PDP but work discreetly for the ADC during the 2027 polls.

Reacting to the developments, PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum cautioned members against being lured by the coalition, insisting defectors would soon realise no other party could match the inclusiveness the PDP offers.

Chinda: Expect More Defections

House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda acknowledged that the emergence of the coalition could prompt more defections from both the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he downplayed its long-term impact, describing it as “a gathering of disgruntled politicians” rather than a cohesive party.

Chinda remarked,

“You don’t abandon an unfinished house to start building a new one midway. They might soon return to their old structures. At best, this adds some colour to democracy by showing the right to diverse views. But don’t write off the PDP; it will bounce back.”

Similarly, PDP Board of Trustees member Eddy Olafeso admitted more defections could occur, but argued the party would also attract fresh members. He urged leaders to stay, learn from past mistakes, and rebuild.

Olafeso said,

“Yes, things went wrong, but is running away the solution? You don’t abandon your family because of problems; you work to fix them. Many who left before have come back. We appeal to all to reconsider before closing the door permanently.”