APC Chieftain Says PDP Is Fading Calls for Merger With ADC

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A former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to consider a strategic merger with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the opposition party is rapidly losing relevance.

Aliyu, a senior figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a programme aired on Channels Television.

He urged leaders and members of both opposition parties to embrace compromise and unity, arguing that persistent internal divisions within the PDP are threatening its continued existence.

According to Aliyu, a merger with the ADC could provide the PDP with a lifeline if it is serious about reclaiming its position as a strong opposition force.

He stressed that political cooperation remains one of the most effective ways to revive a struggling party, noting that refusal to make concessions has continued to weaken the opposition and, by extension, Nigeria’s democratic system.

Aliyu further stated that democracy thrives when opposition parties are strong and united, adding that the ongoing fragmentation within the PDP is unhealthy for the country’s political development.

He acknowledged that both the PDP and ADC are home to respected Nigerians who have made meaningful contributions to national growth, describing their prolonged disunity as unfortunate.

The former lawmaker lamented what he described as the steady decline of the PDP, warning that a weak opposition ultimately harms governance and denies citizens the benefits of accountability.

He emphasized that opposition parties play a crucial role in challenging government policies and ensuring that the public interest is protected.

APC Not Responsible for Opposition Unity

Aliyu dismissed claims that it was the responsibility of the APC to facilitate unity among opposition parties, reminding viewers that the ruling party itself was formed through a merger of several political movements.

He explained that the APC emerged from the coming together of parties such as the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), among others.

He questioned why the PDP could not adopt a similar approach if it is truly facing political decline, reiterating that a merger with the ADC remains a viable option.

Aliyu also maintained that the APC is not threatened by any potential opposition alliance, stressing that governance is a collective responsibility shared by all Nigerians.

He added that Nigeria does not belong to any individual leader but to its citizens, who all have a stake in the country’s progress.

His comments come amid ongoing defections of prominent political figures, including governors and lawmakers, from opposition parties to the APC.

The PDP is also grappling with a severe internal leadership crisis, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership—further weakening the party that governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015.