The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Federal Government of turning state development into a tool of political coercion, warning that such practices threaten Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegation was made on Friday by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, during an appearance on the Arise News Morning Show hosted by Dr. Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni, and Ayo Mairo-Ese.
The programme examined Nigeria’s shrinking opposition space and the recent wave of defections from the PDP.
Addressing the exit of the Osun and Rivers State governors, Ememobong said the trend reflects a troubling environment where leaders believe they must align with the ruling party to secure development for their states.
“People say they want to ‘connect to the centre’. That presupposes that the central system is not running an egalitarian system; it is running a nepotistic system where governance favours are dispensed on the basis of political partisanship,” he said.
He argued that this justification for defection reduces development to a political favour rather than a constitutional entitlement.
“If you do not connect to the centre, you cannot take development home. That is clearly undemocratic and clearly anti-development,” he added.
PDP’s Internal Challenges
Ememobong admitted that internal issues within the PDP also contributed to the crisis. He explained that the party’s decision not to immediately discipline members who undermined it during the 2023 elections, taken in the spirit of reconciliation, had unintended consequences.
“At the time, what is now termed reluctance was seen as forbearance and perseverance. We hoped wounds would heal after the 2023 elections, but some individuals doubled down instead of returning to rationality,” he said.
Despite setbacks, he maintained that the party is taking corrective steps. The National Working Committee (NWC) has held meetings with state chairmen, ex-officios, and House of Representatives members to evaluate the situation and develop new strategies.
Leadership Dispute
Ememobong also addressed confusion over the party’s leadership, following claims that a faction reportedly backed by Nyesom Wike is recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He dismissed the claim, insisting that the party’s structures remain intact under Kabir Tanimu Turaki.
“Legitimacy starts from the foundation. The staff of the party, state chairmen, BOT and ex-officios are aligned with K.T. Turaki. Those claiming otherwise cannot challenge the government because they have openly declared support for the President in 2027,” he said.
He added that the PDP awaits judicial clarity from the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court on leadership matters, stressing that a swift resolution would help stabilise the party.
Looking ahead, Ememobong expressed confidence in the PDP’s resilience. “In 1998, we had no governors or senators, but we built all of this. The quantitative voice of the people will compete with the qualitative voice of the elites,” he noted.
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