The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing communiqué condemning the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly using harassment and coercion to poach PDP governors, senators, and lawmakers.
The statement, released just hours after a high-stakes meeting in Abuja, also reveals fresh internal turmoil within the opposition party, including the suspension of two state chairmen accused of sabotaging its upcoming national convention.
The forum, chaired by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi of Edo State and with Sir Edward Percy Masha of Ogun State as secretary, painted a picture of a ruling party desperate to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.
"The APC's undemocratic, desperate, and systematic efforts to intimidate, harass, and coerce PDP leaders, including governors, senators, and members of the National and State Assemblies into defecting represent a clear step toward a de facto one-party state," the statement declared.
It urged Nigerians to "collectively resist" these tactics, framing them as a threat to the multi-party system that underpins the nation's young democracy.
The accusations come at a precarious moment for the PDP, which has been hemorrhaging high-profile members in recent months.
Earlier this year, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori crossed over to the APC, taking entire state party structures with them.
More recently, rumors swirled around Enugu's Peter Mbah, who was reportedly set to defect on October 14 but has not yet confirmed any move, leaving PDP governors in a state of unease.
Taraba's Agbu Kefas and Bayelsa's Douye Diri have also been named in speculation, with PDP Governors' Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed expressing "worry" over the defections during a press briefing last weekend.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba has echoed the forum's claims, attributing the wave to "inducement, harassment, coercion, and intimidation" orchestrated by the APC.
In a fiery rebuttal, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed the allegations as "boring, repetitive, and baseless," arguing that defections stem from the PDP's "history of corruption and impunity."
Morka portrayed the shifts as "free democratic choices," not forced maneuvers, and accused the opposition of self-sabotage amid its leadership crisis.
But the PDP's woes aren't solely external. The forum's meeting on October 14 at the PDP FCT Secretariat also zeroed in on alleged moles within its ranks.
It expressed "grave concern" over individuals "acting in concert with external interests linked to the APC" to derail the party's National Elective Convention, set for November 15–16 in Ibadan.
The crosshairs fell squarely on Imo State Chairman Hon. Austine Nwachukwu and Abia State Chairman Hon. Amah Abraham Nnana, who reportedly sought a court injunction to halt the event.
Labeling their moves a "betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve," the forum unanimously suspended both men and elevated Dr. Aziegbemi to the role of acting chairman.
The resolutions cap off a day of "robust discussions" on party unity, convention logistics, and the broader opposition landscape.
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