The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fired back at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following what it described as “an unprovoked public verbal assault” by ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi.
The latest exchange between the two opposition parties has exposed growing tensions as political realignments begin ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, accused Abdullahi of being “an individual known for his roles as chief image maker and defender of the lying, deceitful, corrupt and failed All Progressives Congress (APC).”
The PDP’s reaction came after Abdullahi’s television appearance where he reportedly criticised Nigeria’s main opposition party.
“It is rather unfortunate that the APC indoctrinated Abdullahi is apparently unhappy that the PDP is building momentum against the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections hence this resort to attacking the PDP instead of confronting the APC,” the statement read.
The PDP framed the ADC official’s comments as evidence of the ruling party’s alleged attempts to divide the opposition.
The rebuke from PDP headquarters in Abuja contained several pointed assertions about the party’s self-perceived strength in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“The PDP, as the leading opposition Party, commanding the respect, loyalty and solidarity of overwhelming majority of Nigerians across the country and which is also the broad-based platform driving the aspiration of Nigerians to oust the APC in 2027 will not descend to join issues with the ADC or any other opposition Party in the country for that matter,” Ologunagba stated.
Rather than engage in inter-party squabbles, the PDP promised to maintain focus on its electoral objectives.
The statement emphasised that “the PDP, with its track record of performance which Nigerians still recall with nostalgia will continue to vigorously challenge the failed APC on issues while shaping constructive national discourse and galvanizing Nigerians towards voting out the APC and installing a people-oriented government on the platform of our Party, come 2027.”
Addressing recent defections that have seen some prominent members leave the party, the PDP downplayed the impact on its fortunes.
“Despite the defections of some of our members, it is clear that Nigerians, who are the real organic strength of the PDP are still standing shoulder to shoulder with our Party,” the statement claimed. It further asserted that “the PDP therefore remains the Party that have the support base, connections, national spread and political muscle to unseat the APC.”
The party’s leadership also made bold claims about its presidential prospects, stating that “the PDP, as presently constituted has more than enough presidential personalities with clear records of achievement and capacity to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at any time.”
However, it left the door open for alliances, noting that “as the platform of choice for all Nigerians, the PDP remains open to working with other well-meaning and like-minded citizens and groups in the collective aspiration to rescue our nation from the APC.”
The statement concluded by outlining the party’s immediate priorities, revealing that “the PDP is focused on consolidating on the gains of our reconciliatory efforts and the success of our 101st National Executive Committee meeting.” It also confirmed preparations for “a successful National Convention slated for 15th to 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,” while vowing not to be distracted by “baseless attacks from known agents of the APC.”
Discussion about this post