Defections: APC Dragging Nigeria To One Party System Says PDP State Chairmen Forum
The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of dragging Nigeria into a one party system by intimidating opposition politicians to defect to their party.
In a statement signed by Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, and Secretary, Sir Edward Percy Masha after their meeting on Monday attended by 25 States, the PDP state Chairmen
deliberated extensively on issues affecting the unity and stability of the party, reviewed preparations for the forthcoming National Elective Convention slated for November 15–16, 2025, and assessed the state of the opposition across the federation.
The Forum condemned what it called the APC undemocratic practices, “desperate, and systematic efforts to intimidate, harass, and coerce PDP leaders—including governors, senators, and members of the National and State Assemblies—into defecting.”
The Forum described these acts as an assault on democracy, warning that the ruling party’s conduct is a dangerous step toward establishing a de facto one-party state, which Nigerians must collectively resist.
The Forum expressed grave concern over the activities of certain individuals within the PDP, who are allegedly acting in concert with external interests linked to the APC, to derail the party’s National Convention.
Specifically, the Forum condemned the actions of Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Hon. Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State), who recently sought a court injunction to halt the convention.
The Forum said their actions were a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve, and suspended both members from the body and appointed Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP, as the new Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum.
The PDP state Chairmen passed a vote of confidence in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party.
It reaffirmed its commitment to work harmoniously with those organs in rebuilding, revitalizing, and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative and leading political force.
The forum called on all party members, supporters, and stakeholders across the country to remain calm, united, and steadfast.
It pledged its cooperation with the party’s national leadership as it undertakes deliberate, strategic steps to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
