Coalition Rift: PDP Caucus Backs Alliance, Governors Says No

The PDP’s umbrella is big enough to accommodate all persons desirous of coalition. PDP, should therefore drive the coalition if  it becomes necessary.

A rift appears to be widening within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the idea of forming a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While the party’s governors have publicly rejected any merger or coalition talks, the PDP Senate Caucus has voiced strong support for the move, asserting that such alliances are essential for strengthening democracy and providing a viable opposition.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Senate Minority Leader and PDP Senate Caucus Leader, Senator Abba Moro, declared that forming a coalition is “the way forward” for the party. He called on PDP members across the country to remain steadfast, noting that a one-party state would be detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy.

Moro’s comments stand in contrast to the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum, which, after a meeting in Ibadan on April 14, categorically rejected any talk of mergers or coalitions.

The governors stated: “On the nationwide speculations about a possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger. However, the PDP, as a major opposition party, welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wresting power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”

This divergence in stance follows efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to unite the opposition. On March 20, Atiku, alongside former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other political figures, unveiled a plan for an opposition coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Defending the relevance and resilience of the PDP, Moro, flanked by several PDP senators, dismissed claims of internal collapse. “Contrary to insinuations that the party is in shreds and on the verge of collapse, the PDP remains strong and will continue to wax stronger,” he said.

The Senate Caucus acknowledged the party’s internal challenges but stressed that such issues are not unique to the PDP. “All parties, including the APC, Labour Party, NNPP, and SDP, have their own share of crises,” Moro added.

He emphasized the importance of a robust opposition in a thriving democracy and warned against celebrating the weakening of other parties, which he said could tilt Nigeria toward a dangerous one-party system.

Importantly, the Caucus stated that it is open to coalitions—but only those initiated by political parties rather than individuals. “The synthesization of ideas and harmonization of ideals will enrich democracy,” Moro said. “The PDP, being the largest opposition party, is well-positioned to lead any coalition when the time is right.”

“The Caucus believes that the series of activities lined up by the leadership of the party will throw up a new lease of life and leadership in the party that will make it competitive in future elections.

“The Senate Caucus of the PDP states further that the beauty of democracy is in the existence of robust opposition to keep the ruling party in check to ensure good governance.

“Celebrating the emasculation of other parties and tilting towards a one-party state will not advance the cause of democracy.

“The Senate Caucus of the PDP states that it is not averse to the idea and ideals of coalition.

“The Caucus observes that the synthesisation of ideas and creating a harmony of ideals will further the beauty of democracy.

“However, the Caucus advises that any such coalition should be driven by political parties and not individuals.

“And as the biggest of all the opposition parties, the PDP’s umbrella is big enough to accommodate all persons desirous of coalition.

“The PDP, therefore, should drive the coalition if and when it becomes necessary.”

He concluded with a rallying call to party members: “Let us remain committed, loyal, and united in safeguarding democracy and preparing the PDP to offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.”

In a related development, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu also underscored the enduring strength of the PDP during a Southeast PDP stakeholders’ meeting. Despite widespread perceptions that the party is fractured, Ikpeazu argued that the PDP remains a formidable political force.

“Even in what some may call its weakest moment, the ghost of the PDP is stronger than most political parties in this country,” he said. Urging unity, he appealed to party leaders and factions to allow the Senator Bukola Saraki-led strategy committee to complete its work and chart a way forward.

“We must not destroy what we’ve built over the years. Let us close ranks, respect constituted authority, and allow peace to reign,” Ikpeazu added.