Abuja – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday accused the Federal Government of deliberately weaponising access to development and federal support to pressure opposition governors and elected officials into defecting to the ruling party. Speaking on a live television interview, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong warned that the rising tide of defections poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.
Ememobong said the defections are driven by a belief among political leaders that aligning with the central government is essential for their states to attract development. “When people say they must ‘connect to the centre’ to bring development home, it shows that the system is not egalitarian. It suggests that development has become a political reward, not a right,” he said.
He described the arrangement as a deeply flawed system that dispenses governance benefits on the basis of political loyalty rather than constitutional entitlement, arguing that such a structure undermines democracy and weakens federalism. “No state should be denied development because of its political affiliation,” Ememobong added.
The PDP spokesman also acknowledged internal challenges within his party, particularly the post‑2023 election strategy of restraint and reconciliation toward members accused of anti‑party activities. What began as an effort at patience and forbearance, he said, later emboldened some individuals to further undermine the party’s unity.
In response, the PDP leadership has initiated corrective measures, including a series of strategic meetings with state chairmen, ex‑officio members and lawmakers to assess the situation across the states and reposition the party. Ememobong dismissed claims that a rival faction controls the party’s structure, insisting that the PDP’s leadership remains intact and unified under its recognised national framework.
He also said the party is awaiting final judicial pronouncements to resolve lingering leadership disputes, expressing confidence that court clarity would help stabilise the opposition. Looking ahead, Ememobong highlighted the PDP’s long history of political recovery and resilience, stressing that popular support among citizens would ultimately outweigh elite political manoeuvres. “Our strength lies with the people. History has shown that even from a position of weakness, we have rebuilt before, and we will do so again,” he said.
