2027: PDP Has Become a Department of APC – Dino Melaye Alleges Total Takeover by Ruling Party

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Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has launched a scathing attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming it has been infiltrated, compromised, and ultimately “purchased” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Melaye, who recently defected from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made these remarks during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday.

According to the outspoken former lawmaker, the PDP no longer functions as a credible opposition but instead operates like an extension of the APC.

“The PDP has been purchased by the APC. It is now a parastatal, a department of the ruling party. Even NEC and NWC meeting dates are decided at the [Presidential] Villa,” Melaye claimed.

He accused PDP governors of failing to play their roles as opposition leaders, stating they now act more like defenders of the APC than challengers.

“Look at the PDP governors today—are they playing the role of opposition? They’re simply holding fort for the APC,” he said.

Melaye cited a recent comment by former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, who said Nigerians should tolerate President Bola Tinubu since they tolerated Muhammadu Buhari for eight years. For Melaye, such a statement only validates his assertion that PDP voices no longer reflect genuine opposition.

The former senator explained that his decision to join the ADC was fueled by the PDP’s “loss of potency” and inability to confront the pressing political and economic challenges affecting the nation.

“My defection became imperative due to the PDP’s lack of capacity to rescue Nigeria from the prevailing political cankerworms eating into the fabric of our nation,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Melaye expressed optimism that the ADC would produce a viable presidential candidate capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We need to build a stable, comfortable platform in ADC. I believe we will present a credible candidate who will unseat Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
“But until we have a transparent convention and stabilise the party, I won’t declare support for any aspirant.”

Melaye’s departure marks yet another high-profile defection from the PDP, raising fresh concerns over the opposition’s internal cohesion and relevance ahead of the next electoral cycle.