2027 Won’t Be a One-Party Show – Lagos PDP

2027 Won’t Be a One-Party Show – Lagos PDP

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed concerns that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system, despite a recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party’s reaction follows a series of high-profile defections involving governors, senators, and lawmakers at both federal and state levels. Notably, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa’s Douye Diri have reportedly aligned with the APC, along with their respective state legislators.

Earlier in June, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno formally left the PDP, joining Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and several PDP members in switching allegiance to the ruling party.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), PDP Lagos Central Vice Chairman Hakeem Olalemi insisted that the party remains resilient and deeply rooted in the hearts of Nigerians. He described the defections as driven by personal ambition rather than ideology and expressed confidence that they would not determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

“I can assure anyone listening that the PDP will emerge stronger after our national convention in November,” Olalemi said. “Nigerians are not interested in a one-party state. Such a system breeds authoritarianism and dictatorship, which the people will reject at the polls.”

He acknowledged that party-switching is not new in Nigerian politics but questioned the motives behind the current trend. “If the reason for leaving is internal crisis, then those defecting lack the courage to stay and fix the problems. You don’t abandon your family home because of disagreements—you stay and resolve them,” he added.

Olalemi concluded by reaffirming the PDP’s role as a viable opposition force and expressed optimism that Nigerians would reaffirm their commitment to multi-party democracy in the next election cycle.