Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), isn’t backing down. Appearing on The Morning Show on Arise TV, he dismissed growing concerns about his party’s stability following recent defections including that of the Delta State Governor. Instead, he doubled down on the PDP’s relevance.
“As far as I’m concerned, whether there are defections or not, the PDP remains a formidable opposition party. Concerning the recent defection of the Delta State Governor and his team, we’ve put that behind us and are looking ahead. The ruling party is entitled to its views, but the opposition is far from complacent,” Baraje said.
He admitted the defection caused ripples but made it clear the party is regrouping fast.
“We are actively addressing internal concerns such as indiscipline and leadership structure,” he added, stressing that the National Working Committee will soon meet to push forward needed reforms.
On the idea of a broad alliance to challenge the APC in 2027, Baraje didn’t mince words.
“While some argue that a coalition is needed to remove the APC in 2027, the ideological basis seems weak beyond that singular objective. I may not be part of the new coalition initiative, but it is important to recognise that there are multiple approaches to confronting the ruling party,” he stated.
Also joining the conversation was media executive and PDP heavyweight, Dele Momodu, who didn’t sugarcoat the party’s situation. He warned that internal divisions could ruin its chances in 2027 if left unchecked.
“I believe Tinubu can only be effectively countered by another strong candidate from the North. Any Southerner who thinks they can challenge Tinubu is likely wasting their time. The PDP or any coalition must recognise that power dynamics require strategic thinking. They cannot expect success with a Southern candidate alone if they truly wish to contest Tinubu’s position,” he argued.
Momodu didn’t stop there. In his view, what many see as political momentum is deceptive.
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“An optical illusion much like magic, the more you look, the less you see,” he called it, lamenting how opportunism has overtaken ideology.
According to him, the PDP is split down the middle.
“We are witnessing a split within the PDP. Half of its members are involved in coalition talks, while the other half remain loyal to the party. This creates confusion. I recently spoke with our governor in Bauchi, who believes we shouldn’t abandon the PDP but should instead work to attract others to it. However, if the PDP resists change and chooses to remain stagnant, what options remain? A collapse of the party might need to be considered,” he warned.
On Atiku Abubakar, he was firm.
“The claim that Atiku will join the APC is simply implausible; I can guarantee that. The APC itself is riddled with internal problems, lacking the discipline or cohesion to address critical issues,” Momodu said.
He wrapped up with a pointed observation about Southern Nigeria’s political choices.
“I saw people in Delta celebrating their alignment with the mainstream, but I wonder what tangible benefits have been delivered to the people over the years. For two decades, PDP founding members have been trying to connect with the populace akin to linking electricity to the national grid yet the results remain elusive.”