APC’s Triumph and PDP’s Trouble: A Warning for Our Democracy, By Kay Lord

This is why the recent wave of defections by PDP governors into the ruling APC, with Governor Mba of Enugu being the latest, should not be celebrated blindly. Yes, it boosts the ruling party’s political strength, but it also exposes a disturbing reality about Nigerian politics—an entrenched culture of self-interest over ideology.

To be fair, you can’t blame the APC for accepting these defectors. Politics is a game of numbers, and every ruling party wants to consolidate power. But APC should also be cautious. History shows that there was a time when every Tom, Dick, and Harry was defecting to the then-ruling PDP. We all saw how that story ended.

The PDP’s downfall began when it could no longer adhere to its own rules of engagement or respect its constitution. The 2023 presidential primaries were only a reflection of long-standing cracks that started before the 2015 election.

Back then, five governors led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar walked out of the party’s convention at Eagle Square. It was a sign of deeper rot—unchecked egos and internal power struggles that eventually consumed the party.

Despite all that, PDP still remains Nigeria’s main opposition party. It’s wounded, yes, but not dead. For it to rise again, it needs selfless and forward-thinking politicians—people driven not by ego or personal gain, but by a vision to rebuild the party from within.

On the other hand, the APC must be careful not to fall into the same trap. The bigger a party grows, the harder it becomes to manage. Already, there are silent tensions among its foundational members, legacy blocs, and recent defectors.

The CPC faction has even seen some of its elements drift away to smaller parties like the ADC. Now, with PDP members joining in droves across states and in the National Assembly, the APC faces a new challenge—how to balance competing interests and fragile egos.

Yes, APC is in a strong position and will likely win the 2027 general election more convincingly than in 2023. You can quote me on that. The combination of incumbency and fresh political weight from these defectors gives them that edge. Add to that President Bola Tinubu’s political acumen—his knack for managing diverse egos and building alliances—and you can see why APC will continue to dominate in the short term.

But my concern is 2031. When Tinubu completes his second term, can the APC manage the power vacuum that will follow? Can it handle the internal power struggles that come when a strong central figure exits the stage? That was the exact mistake that destroyed the PDP when it grew too large and undisciplined to control its own members.

For now, APC holds the ace. They look like the beautiful bride that everyone wants to marry. But they should tread carefully—too many hands in the pudding can ruin the meal.

As for the PDP, recovery won’t happen overnight. Their focus now should be on resolving internal legal issues, organizing credible conventions, and electing leaders with vision and staying power. They must review and, if necessary, amend their constitution to reflect today’s realities.

If they do this right, by 2031 the party can return stronger—with new ideas, renewed discipline, and leaders who’ve learned from past mistakes. Because, truthfully, some of those who have left today will eventually come back. But when they do, they should meet a reformed party, not the broken house they abandoned.

Opposition is vital to the growth of democracy. It keeps the system honest. Nigerians shouldn’t gloat over PDP’s crisis; instead, we should reflect on what it means for our democracy. Every democracy that endures does so because it has credible voices challenging power, asking tough questions, and offering better alternatives.

So there’s no cause for alarm. What we need is resilience—a collective commitment to nurture this democracy and make it a true vehicle for national development. We owe our nation that much, and more.

Advertisements