Cynthia Ezegwu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has dismissed fears that Nigeria is sliding toward a one-party system, despite the growing number of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the PDP Vice Chairman for Lagos Central, Mr. Hakeem Olalemi, said the wave of defections would not weaken the opposition or determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
Olalemi insisted that the PDP remained strong and deeply rooted in the hearts of Nigerians, describing the recent defections as acts driven by selfish interests rather than ideology or national concern.
“I can tell anyone that cares to hear that PDP will still stand strong after our convention in November,” Olalemi said. “Nigerians are not ready for a one-party state because it will bring authoritarianism and dictatorship. Nigerians want a multi-party democratic system.”
The statement follows a series of high-profile defections, including those of Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, along with his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who have all joined the APC in recent months.
Reacting to the trend, Olalemi argued that genuine leaders should stay in the PDP to help address internal challenges rather than abandoning the party.
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“People move from one party to another, but what are their reasons for moving from PDP to APC?” he asked. “If there are crises in the family or home where we were born, should we then leave for another person’s house? What is expected is to wait and resolve the crises.”
The PDP chieftain added that the defections would not derail the opposition’s mission to rebuild and provide a credible alternative to Nigerians ahead of the next elections.
“If running away from PDP is what makes them men, we shall see what happens in 2027,” he said, expressing confidence that Nigerians would reject one-party dominance at the polls.