Nigeria’s political scene is heating up as the 2027 general election draws near, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) facing a wave of defections. While the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently endorsed by a coalition of opposition figures, was expected to benefit from these moves, many prominent PDP members are instead pitching their tents with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dino Melaye Leads Fresh Wave of Defections
On Thursday, 31 July, former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye announced his official resignation from the PDP. In a letter dated 4 July 2025, addressed to the party chairman at Ward 1, Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Melaye cited the PDP’s failure to deliver effective governance and credible leadership as reasons for his exit. He confirmed his immediate disengagement from all PDP-related activities.
Top PDP Figures in Ogun State Cross to APC
Alongside Melaye’s exit, the PDP suffered further blows in Ogun State. Former PDP chairman in the state, Sikirulai Ogundele, and the party’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, officially defected to the APC.
They were joined by other influential politicians, including:
- Luqmon Atobatele – Member representing Abeokuta South State Constituency 1
- Idowu Olowofuja – Former member of the State House of Assembly
- Rotimi Rahaman – Former chairman of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission
- Mojeed Ekelojumati – Political figure with a strong grassroots base
Thousands of their supporters also switched allegiance from the PDP to the APC during Thursday’s political rally.
2027 Election Realignments Intensify
These defections come at a time of strategic alignment among political actors in the APC, PDP, Labour Party (LP), and ADC. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on opposition leaders to unite under the ADC to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku has been joined by Peter Obi of the Labour Party and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, all of whom have declared their interest in contesting the presidency under the ADC. Political analysts believe Atiku remains the leading contender to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate in the upcoming election.
With the pace of defections and political alliances intensifying, Nigeria’s 2027 election promises to be one of the most competitive in the country’s history.
