PDP leaders are secretly backing APC – coalition alleges

The Coalition of Political Parties has accused the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of covertly supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as “Trojan horses” undermining efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s democracy. The coalition’s position was made public on Wednesday, April 16, in a statement by former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman. His remarks followed the PDP Governors’ Forum’s rejection of a proposed alliance to form a broad-based opposition coalition. Lukman argued that a united opposition is the only credible path to challenging the APC and President Bola Tinubu while revitalising democratic institutions. READ ALSO: 2027: Huge blow for Atiku, Obi as PDP governors reject coalition He said the PDP’s reluctance to join the initiative exposes the party’s internal contradictions and questionable loyalties. “It makes no sense to invest energy and resources in a party whose leaders are either appointees of the APC government or undercover supporters. “All patriotic Nigerians… should recognise that the challenge facing us as a nation is beyond the romantic affiliation to so-called political parties such as the PDP,” Lukman said. PDP heading towards self-destruction – Salihu Lukman He criticised the PDP’s trajectory since losing power in 2015, claiming it is heading toward “self-destruction and political irrelevance.” According to Lukman, the coalition aims to bring together opposition parties, politicians, and civil society groups to protect Nigeria’s democratic space from erosion under the current administration. READ ALSO: Are PDP governors betraying Atiku? Dele Momodu points fingers at Tinubu alliance “For the avoidance of doubt, the coalition is fundamentally about rebuilding Nigerian democracy,” he emphasised. Lukman’s comments come amid growing concerns about the strength of opposition voices in Nigeria, especially in the wake of the APC’s continued political dominance. His statement reflects a deepening rift within the country’s political landscape, with the future of opposition unity hanging in the balance.