APC Expansion or Implosion? Kano PDP Chief Says Ruling Party “Will Explode”

The Kano State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has downplayed the recent defections of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and his Enugu counterpart, Peter Mbah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the state chairman, Yusif Kibiya, the development is not only unsurprising but also a “welcome relief” for the opposition party.

In an interview cited by Vanguard on Wednesday, Kibiya remarked that the defections had long been anticipated. He stated that the PDP leadership had prior knowledge of the governors’ plans to switch allegiance and were unbothered by their eventual move. “It’s not a shocker. Anybody in PDP knows. We knew they were going,” Kibiya said confidently.

He further accused the defectors of being “compromised,” suggesting that some had been motivated by promises or pressure from the central government. “You can’t deal with people with double-edged swords. These people are compromised. Some were threatened, others expect benefits. It’s very clear,” he added, maintaining that the PDP remained steadfast despite internal and external pressures.

‘The Electorate Will Decide, Not the Governors’

Responding to concerns that the defections could weaken the PDP ahead of future elections, Kibiya dismissed such fears, arguing that real political power rests with the electorate rather than governors. He insisted that the party’s focus would remain on connecting with Nigerians and presenting credible candidates who represent the will of the people.

“Is the governor the electorate? This is where people are making a mistake,” Kibiya said. “The coming elections will be people versus government—Nigeria versus government—not PDP versus APC.” He emphasized that the opposition would continue to work towards strengthening its base among ordinary citizens.

Kibiya also expressed optimism that Nigerians, disillusioned by the current administration, would rally around the PDP. “We will ensure the PDP fields its best candidates, and the people will decide. Let all the governors go to the APC; I don’t even see how that party is going to function,” he said.

‘APC Will Explode’: A Warning from Kano PDP Chair

The Kano PDP chairman was equally critical of the ruling APC, predicting internal turmoil within the party. He described the defections as a short-term political tactic that could eventually backfire. “APC will explode. Of course, it will explode,” Kibiya declared, suggesting that the influx of new members could destabilize the ruling coalition.

He argued that defections were part of a larger pattern in Nigerian politics, where politicians often abandon parties in pursuit of power or privilege, only to find themselves sidelined later. “In any party, there are challenges—not only in PDP. Those who betrayed the PDP thought it had died, yet we have survived. They formed their parties; where are they now? Time will tell,” he concluded.

Kibiya’s comments reflect growing tension within Nigeria’s political landscape as realignments intensify ahead of the next election cycle. While the PDP projects resilience, the APC faces the challenge of managing its expanding ranks amid internal competition and public scrutiny.