APC Chieftain Calls for PDP–ADC Merger as Opposition Faces Defections

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to urgently put its house in order or consider merging with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His comments come at a time when the main opposition party is grappling with internal divisions and a wave of high-profile defections to the APC.

Aliyu made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, against the backdrop of recent defections of governors, National Assembly members and other influential figures from the PDP to the ruling party. He argued that a strong and united opposition is essential for the health of Nigeria’s democracy.

Aliyu Call for Reforms of PDP and Possible Merger

Speaking during the interview, Aliyu openly urged leaders and members of both the PDP and ADC to consider strategic concessions in the interest of democratic stability. According to him, internal disagreements within the PDP have weakened its ability to function effectively as an opposition party.

“I call on my brothers and sisters in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) to put their acts together and, in my opinion, the Peoples Democratic Party should merge with the African Democratic Congress,” Aliyu said. He added that if the PDP is “dying,” a merger could serve as a path to revival.

Aliyu stressed that members of both parties are respected Nigerians who have made significant contributions to national development. He noted that unity and compromise are necessary if the opposition hopes to regain relevance and effectively challenge the ruling party.

Need for a Vibrant Opposition

The former lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as the declining strength of the PDP, warning that a weak opposition ultimately undermines democratic governance. He maintained that Nigeria needs a vibrant opposition capable of holding the government accountable and ensuring better outcomes for citizens.

“Honestly, it’s sad in this country that the Peoples Democratic Party looks to be dying,” Aliyu said. He also called on the ADC to strengthen its internal structures, noting that opposition parties must be well-organised if democracy is to thrive.

According to him, it is not the responsibility of the APC to bring opposition parties together. He recalled that the APC itself was formed through the merger of several parties, including the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), demonstrating that political unity is achievable through shared purpose.

Defections, Internal Crisis, and APC’s Position

Aliyu’s comments come amid continued defections from the PDP to the APC, including governors and lawmakers, further weakening the opposition. The PDP is also facing an internal leadership crisis, with two rival factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership.

Despite advising the opposition to reorganise, Aliyu insisted that the APC is not threatened by rival parties. He emphasised that political power belongs to the Nigerian people, not to any single individual or party.

“The country belongs to all of us and not to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said, adding that a strong opposition is beneficial to governance and national development. He reiterated that Nigerians deserve a political system where ideas compete freely and constructively.