Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has attributed the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to fears of political persecution.
Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday, Ologbondiyan suggested that opposition leaders, including governors, are seeking refuge in the ruling party to avoid being targeted by the federal government.
"You must not forget that the former National Chairman of APC told Nigerians that just come over here, we will forgive all your sins, so people are looking for where sins are forgiven," Ologbondiyan stated during the interview.
Recent High-Profile Defections
Last month, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori defected to the APC alongside his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, several commissioners, and other political figures from the PDP. Reports indicate that more governors from opposition parties may follow suit in the coming weeks.
These defections have raised concerns about the future of opposition politics in Nigeria, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The People Will Decide
Despite the growing number of defections, Ologbondiyan expressed confidence that the ultimate decision on who governs Nigeria rests with the electorate, not political elites.
"At the end of it all, it is going to be about the Nigerians' position," he emphasized. "You may pack all the 36 governors and put them in one boardroom and say they should declare for you. Have you packed the over 200 million Nigerians into the same boardroom? The answer is no."
The former PDP spokesman's comments come amid growing speculation about potential realignments in Nigeria's political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APC appearing to consolidate its position as the dominant political force in the country.
Political analysts suggest that these defections could significantly weaken opposition parties' ability to present a united front against the ruling party in future elections.
