Most Former PDP Members in APC Are Now Onlookers – Ogun PDP Chairman

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has claimed that many politicians who left the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) are no longer playing significant roles within their new political platform.

The state chairman of the PDP, Abayomi Tella, made the assertion while speaking with journalists, suggesting that several former PDP members who joined the APC have become politically inactive within the ruling party.

According to Tella, many of the defectors are not deeply integrated into the APC structure because they were not part of the party’s early struggle for power.

Defectors Allegedly Treated as Outsiders

Tella argued that politicians who joined the APC after it had already established its leadership structures often find themselves with limited influence.

He explained that party members who helped build the APC from its early stages tend to occupy the key positions, leaving late entrants with fewer opportunities to shape decisions.

In his view, this situation has left many of the former PDP members watching political developments rather than actively participating in them.

Background of Recent Defections

The PDP chairman referred to the wave of defections that occurred in July 2025, when the party’s immediate past state chairman, Sikirulai Ogundele, and several other members left the PDP to join the APC.

The development attracted attention in Ogun politics, as it involved prominent figures shifting their political allegiance.

Tella suggested that the move has not delivered the level of political influence some defectors may have expected.

PDP Signals Willingness to Welcome Returnees

Despite his criticism of the defections, Tella emphasized that the PDP remains open to receiving former members who might wish to return.

He noted that the party would consider welcoming back several influential political figures if they choose to rejoin.

Among those mentioned were:

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State
Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East
Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun

Tella explained that all three politicians previously had political ties with the PDP.

Internal Tensions Within APC Seen as Opportunity

The PDP chairman also hinted that internal disagreements within the APC could create opportunities for his party.

He referred to reports of political tension between Governor Dapo Abiodun and Gbenga Daniel, suggesting that such developments could influence future political alignments.

According to him, political rivalry within the ruling party may provide an opening for the PDP to strengthen its position in the state.

Strategic Approach to Political Realignments

Tella noted that political competition often involves shifts in alliances and internal disputes.

He argued that the PDP intends to observe the evolving situation carefully and identify ways to benefit from any divisions that may occur among rival political groups.

In his words, bringing experienced politicians back into the PDP could strengthen the party’s structure and electoral prospects.

Key Points From Tella’s Remarks

During his comments, the PDP chairman highlighted several important issues:

Former PDP members in the APC are allegedly playing limited roles within the ruling party
Defectors were not part of the APC’s original political structure
The PDP remains open to welcoming influential figures back into the party
Internal disagreements within the APC could reshape political alliances in Ogun State
Returning politicians could strengthen the PDP’s political position

Commentary and Analysis

The remarks from the Ogun PDP chairman illustrate the ongoing competition between political parties for influence and membership.

Defections are common in Nigerian politics, often occurring when politicians seek better opportunities within different party structures.

However, integrating into a new party can sometimes prove challenging, especially if existing members already hold key leadership positions.

At the same time, opposition parties frequently attempt to use internal divisions within rival parties as opportunities to expand their influence.

Whether such strategies succeed often depends on shifting political alliances, voter sentiment, and the ability of parties to maintain unity among their members.

As political activity gradually intensifies ahead of future elections, movements of politicians between parties are likely to remain a major feature of Nigeria’s political landscape.