ABUJA — Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of losing its independence, alleging that the party now operates as a subsidiary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired Friday night, Melaye, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the PDP has been “purchased” by the APC and no longer functions as a credible opposition.
“PDP has been purchased by the APC. PDP is now a parastatal of the APC, a department under the APC,” Melaye said. “In fact, they take dates for their NEC [National Executive Committee] and NWC [National Working Committee] meetings from the Villa.”
The former lawmaker also accused PDP governors of failing to play their constitutional role as opposition leaders, claiming many are working in the interest of the APC.
“Look at the number of PDP governors today—are they acting like opposition governors?” Melaye asked. “You know the influence governors wield in Nigeria. Are they using that power to hold the ruling party accountable? Those remaining in the PDP are merely holding forth for the APC.”
Melaye also took a swipe at former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, referencing a recent interview in which Aliyu reportedly suggested that Nigerians should be able to endure another four years under President Bola Tinubu, having already endured eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“With due respect to my uncle Babangida Aliyu, he said we should tolerate Tinubu for another four years since we tolerated Buhari for eight. Is that the voice of an opposition figure?” Melaye queried. “Such statements clearly do not align with the expectations of a true opposition party member.”
He warned that Nigeria is in a “precarious situation” and called for stronger opposition voices to help safeguard democracy and hold the government accountable.
Melaye’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s opposition parties and the growing calls for a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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