Former lawmaker, Senator Ahmed Kaita, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its relevance as a major opposition force in Nigeria’s political space, describing it as a “faded shadow” of what it once was.
Speaking during a political gathering of coalition groups in Katsina State on Thursday evening, Kaita expressed concern over the mass defections that have weakened the PDP’s influence and electoral prospects.
“The PDP had become a shadow of its former self and may likely not make a meaningful impact in the next general elections,” he said.
He referenced the defections of key figures, including state governors, national and state lawmakers, and even former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who recently left the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“With such defections, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the PDP to successfully play the role of major opposition party when the next general elections come up,” Kaita added.
In response to the PDP’s decline, Kaita revealed that consultations were ongoing among notable Nigerians and political groups to establish an alternative political platform capable of challenging the APC in future elections.
“Prominent Nigerians from a coalition of political groups have been meeting at the state and national levels, to form an alternative opposition political party to the PDP,” he said.
He explained that the emerging coalition was working toward adopting and consolidating under a single existing political party, through which they aim to mount a credible challenge to the APC.
“The group’s plan, among other things, is to adopt a single existing political party, join the same and begin working towards defeating the ruling APC in subsequent elections in the country,” he stated.
While a final decision on the political party to be adopted is still being deliberated, Kaita noted that an official announcement would be made soon.
“The decision on which political party the coalition would join will be made known in the coming weeks, as a series of meetings were still ongoing to finalise the group’s decision,” he said.
Kaita also criticised the APC-led government for worsening the country’s socio-economic conditions, alleging widespread corruption and mismanagement.
“Nigerians are currently facing socio-economic challenges brought upon them by the ruling APC,” he said, claiming that “monies meant for the development of the states and the country were being siphoned by a few individuals in positions of power.”
Also addressing the gathering, former Secretary to the Katsina State Government (SSG), Dr Mustapha Inuwa, urged members of the coalition to remain focused and committed to building a strong opposition.
“Do not defect to the APC or other political parties for monetary or related gains,” he cautioned.
“Your efforts to make the group achieve its aim would not go unrewarded.”
In a show of growing momentum, the meeting witnessed the defection of hundreds of former PDP members, many of them former aspirants for various elective positions, into the emerging coalition.
Their leader, Jamilu Yahaya, pledged their commitment to the group’s mission.
“We will work together with the leadership of the coalition group to ensure they achieve their set objectives,” Yahaya assured.
