PDP Rebukes APC Spokesman Over ‘Defunct Party’ Claim, Labels Statement as Delusional

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised comments made by Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who suggested that the opposition party no longer qualifies as a functioning political entity. The PDP described the remarks as “unfortunate” and indicative of what it termed “delusional propaganda” by the ruling party.

In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party maintained that it remains a viable political force despite recent defections. It further argued that Nigerians continue to reject the APC due to the economic hardship associated with policies under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Political Tensions Rise Amid Claims of Party Decline

The controversy stems from remarks made by Morka during an appearance on The Morning Show, where he asserted that internal crises within the PDP had rendered it ineffective as a political platform. According to him, the wave of defections from the opposition party to the APC should be interpreted as a sign of growing confidence in the ruling party, rather than evidence of democratic imbalance.

Morka dismissed concerns that Nigeria may be drifting toward a one-party state, insisting instead that political realignments reflect the natural evolution of party dynamics. His comments have, however, intensified ongoing tensions between the country’s two dominant political parties, each seeking to shape public perception ahead of future electoral contests.

The PDP, in its response, rejected these claims outright, arguing that the defections cited by the APC were neither voluntary nor reflective of genuine political support. The party alleged that such movements were orchestrated through pressure and inducement, raising concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.

PDP Accuses APC of Propaganda and Governance Failures

In a strongly worded rebuttal, Ememobong characterised Morka’s statement as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. He argued that, despite the APC’s efforts to portray itself as dominant, many Nigerians remain dissatisfied with the current administration due to worsening economic conditions and governance challenges.

The PDP further claimed that the APC has struggled with grassroots support, citing alleged irregularities in membership registration exercises across several states. According to the opposition party, some state governments have resorted to repurposing existing databases from empowerment programmes to inflate party membership figures.

Additionally, the PDP referenced recent disruptions at political gatherings, suggesting that such incidents signal broader public discontent. It warned that these developments could foreshadow increased resistance to the ruling party if current conditions persist.

Escalating Rhetoric Raises Democratic Concerns

The exchange between both parties has been marked by increasingly sharp rhetoric. In its statement, the PDP drew historical parallels, warning against the dangers of propaganda in political discourse. While such comparisons underscore the intensity of the disagreement, they have also raised concerns among observers about the tone of political engagement in the country.

Analysts note that heightened verbal confrontations between major parties can deepen political divisions and distract from substantive policy debates. At a time when Nigeria faces significant economic and social challenges, there are growing calls for political actors to prioritise constructive dialogue over inflammatory language.

As both parties continue to trade accusations, the episode highlights the fragile nature of political trust and the ongoing struggle to maintain a balanced and credible democratic system.