The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has predicted that the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) will cease to exist as a major political force before the end of 2025. In an interview with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Ganduje cited ongoing internal crises, leadership struggles, and defections as key reasons for the impending collapse of the PDP.
According to Ganduje, the PDP's "internal discord and lack of cohesive leadership" will eventually lead to the party's disintegration. "The PDP is plagued by leadership issues that cannot be resolved in the short term. Their inability to unify after the 2023 elections shows how fractured they are," he stated.
The APC chairman also highlighted the recent defections from the PDP to his party, noting that a significant number of key figures, especially governors and lawmakers, had already left the opposition camp. "The defections are a clear indication that the PDP is losing its grip on the political landscape. As more politicians move to the APC, the PDP will struggle to maintain relevance," Ganduje added.
The statement comes amid continued tension within the PDP, with several high-profile members expressing dissatisfaction with the party's leadership under current chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. There have been calls for Ayu's resignation, with many accusing him of failing to deliver victory in the 2023 general elections and for creating divisions within the party.
At the heart of the PDP’s crisis is the fallout from the party’s presidential election loss to the APC's Bola Tinubu. The party has been wracked by infighting, and the leadership battle between factions loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and those supporting Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has only deepened the rift. Wike, a key player in the PDP, famously led a group of governors in opposing Atiku's candidacy, further alienating the party's base.
Ganduje’s prediction is not without its critics, with some political analysts suggesting that the APC should not be overly confident about the future of the PDP. "While the PDP is certainly facing challenges, it is too early to write them off," said political analyst Dr. Adebayo Oladele. "The party has a long history in Nigerian politics, and despite internal squabbles, it remains a powerful force, especially in certain regions."
However, Ganduje remains steadfast in his view that the PDP’s woes will ultimately lead to its collapse. "They have no plan to address their leadership issues. By the end of 2025, it will be clear that the PDP has lost its place as a dominant political party in Nigeria," he concluded.
As the 2027 general elections approach, it remains to be seen how the PDP will navigate its current challenges and whether it can recover or continue to lose ground to the ruling APC.
