Key points

• PDP says it remains strong despite Mbah’s defection.

• Ologunagba insists the PDP’s strength lies with the people.

• APC accused of fueling defections to weaken the opposition.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Debo Ologunagba, has dismissed fears that Governor Peter Mbah’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) signals the collapse of the opposition party. He insisted that the PDP remains alive and resilient despite its internal challenges.

Governor Mbah of Enugu State, alongside members of his cabinet, formally joined the ruling APC on Tuesday. This move deepened speculation about the PDP’s dwindling influence in southern Nigeria.

His exit follows similar defections by Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who left the PDP earlier this year, citing internal party crises and the need to align with the federal government.

But speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time shortly after Mbah’s defection, Ologunagba rejected suggestions that the opposition party was on life support.

“The PDP is not in coma, it’s not in a vegetative state,” he said. “Yes, we have challenges — some of which are external — but the more damaging ones are internal.

Still, we are working through those issues steadily as we approach our national convention.”

‘Defections Are Fueled by Inducement, Not Ideology’

Ologunagba accused the ruling APC of using intimidation, coercion, and financial inducement to lure PDP governors and influential members ahead of the 2027 general election.

“People are not defecting because of ideology or sound policies,” he said. “They are leaving due to personal interests and pressure.

What we are witnessing is a deliberate attempt by the APC to weaken the opposition before our national convention in Ibadan this November.”

He argued that the PDP’s real power lies with its grassroots supporters, not just elected officials.

‘Our Strength Is With the People’

Despite the string of defections, Ologunagba expressed confidence that the PDP will recover and remain a major political force in the coming months.

“Our party’s strength does not depend on governors but on the people who believe in our values and democratic ideals,” he said.

“With or without governors, the PDP will show its strength in 2027.”

As the party prepares for its national convention, analysts say how the PDP handles its internal divisions and leadership restructuring will determine its relevance in the next election cycle.