Turmoil: PDP Remains a Formidable Force, Poses Significant Challenge to APC, Says Party Leader

Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has downplayed the severity of the party's current challenges, asserting that the PDP remains a robust opposition platform.

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While speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, Pearse addressed the recent Appeal Court ruling that invalidated the outcome of the 2025 Ibadan PDP National Convention and the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.

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The crisis has resulted in the party's polarization and the defection of several governors and federal and state lawmakers to other political parties, but Pearse remains optimistic about the party's prospects.

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Pearse, who served on the 2023 Presidential Campaign Committee of Atiku Abubakar and is the Convener of the Reset Lagos PDP group, emphasized that the party's internal disputes do not diminish its relevance.

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According to Pearse, the situation facing the PDP is not as dire as many people perceive, and the party continues to be the biggest threat to the ruling party, which is why it is experiencing numerous troubles.

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The loss of some governors and lawmakers to the ruling party and other political parties does not signify the end of the PDP, Pearse stated, as the party's core supporters remain loyal despite recent defections.

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Pearse noted that the people who elected the defectors are still committed to the PDP, which they believe is the only party that genuinely cares about their welfare and well-being.

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The core members of the party are not following the defectors to their new parties, Pearse said, echoing the sentiments of Gov. Seyi Makinde, who expressed confidence that the party would overcome its challenges.

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Pearse urged a factional PDP Caretaker National Working Committee (NWC) loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike to give the party leadership space to resolve its internal issues.

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The Appeal Court, which ruled against the Ibadan National Convention, also upheld the suspended national officers in the factional caretaker committee, Pearse pointed out.

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Expressing confidence that the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP National Working Committee would receive justice at the Supreme Court, Pearse argued that there is no need for another national convention to elect party executives.

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The November 2025 Ibadan convention was properly conducted by the legitimate leadership under the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, with over 3,000 delegates drawn from across the country, Pearse said.

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Pearse dismissed calls by former Senate President Bukola Saraki for a fresh national convention to address the party's internal challenges, following the Appeal Court ruling.

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The national convention held on November 16, 2025, in Ibadan already represented the collective will of the party, being the highest decision-making organ of the PDP with delegates drawn from all states of the federation, Pearse explained.

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Reopening issues already resolved by the convention could undermine internal stability in the party, Pearse warned, advising party stakeholders to focus on strengthening unity and consolidating the party ahead of future political contests.

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Pearse also criticized Saraki's role during earlier reconciliation efforts within the party, alleging that the former Senate President made the problem worse by taking sides during the conflict between Wike and the PDP NWC led by Damagum.