The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu regarding what it terms a persistent practice of “defection shopping,” cautioning that this approach will not ensure the All Progressives Congress (APC) secures victory in the 2027 general elections.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, condemned the ruling party’s recent efforts to attract opposition members, highlighting the defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah from the PDP to the APC as a case in point.
Ologunagba contended that the APC’s focus on recruiting defectors serves as a distraction tactic designed to divert attention from its inadequate governance and economic challenges.
“I previously advised the president to cease this practice of endorsement or defection shopping; it will not benefit him in the 2027 elections,” he remarked. “The upcoming election will not be a contest between political parties alone; it will be a contest between the APC and the Nigerian populace.”
He accused the Tinubu administration of leveraging defections as a smokescreen to shift public focus away from critical national concerns.
“Currently, the narrative is being steered away from the government’s failures,” Ologunagba explained. “Whenever the conversation centers on defections or opposition parties, we lose sight of the administration’s shortcomings in fulfilling its commitments.”
Emphasizing the importance of democratic values, the PDP spokesperson highlighted that Nigeria’s democracy flourishes through diversity and inclusiveness, urging the President to promote tolerance and constructive dialogue instead of undermining opposition voices.
“The President has a duty to ensure that a diverse nation like Nigeria, with its multiple ethnicities and religions, accommodates a variety of perspectives,” Ologunagba stated. “Disagreement is inevitable, but it is essential to listen and provide space for opposition; this is fundamental for democratic growth and national advancement.”
He concluded by calling on the APC to prioritize effective governance and measurable achievements over political maneuvering, reminding that Nigerians will ultimately evaluate the government based on its delivery rather than its political alliances.
