The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using undemocratic tactics to poach its members, particularly serving governors. According to the PDP, these methods include blackmail and underhanded strategies.

The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, made these allegations in response to claims by a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, that two PDP governors would soon defect to the APC. Ahmad had stated on the social media platform X that the Governor of Taraba State and another governor from the North West would formally join the APC in a matter of days.

Ologunagba countered that most defections from the PDP were not voluntary, but rather the result of coercion, harassment, inducement, and intimidation. He emphasized that the PDP is a robust institution that cannot be weakened by individual defections, noting that while some members may be leaving, others are joining the party.

The PDP spokesperson asserted that the APC’s actions are part of a broader plan to establish a one-party state in the country. He argued that the APC’s tactics would ultimately be unsuccessful, as the defections are not genuine but rather driven by external factors.

The PDP’s allegations come amid a period of political realignment in the country, with several high-profile defections having taken place in recent months. The APC, led by President Bola Tinubu, has been accused of seeking to consolidate its power and marginalize the opposition.

The PDP’s stance is that it remains a vibrant and diverse political entity, with a strong base of supporters. Despite the defections, the party claims that it is attracting new members and regrouping for future challenges. The developments are being closely watched by political observers, who are eager to see how the situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.