PDP faces internal storm as Ologbondiyan likens political climate to transfer season
On Wednesday, May 14, former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, issued a candid warning about the party’s fragile state ahead of the 2027 general elections, predicting more defections among governors, senators, and House of Representatives members.
Speaking in an interview, Ologbondiyan compared the current political environment to a “football transfer window,” referencing the recent defection of all PDP senators from Kebbi State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a critical blow to the opposition party.
“It is like a football club. Everyone is signing. Everyone is being signed. So who is going to move next? It feels like a political transfer window. But does that mean I am moving? I have always likened the current situation to the football transfer window, but even in football, not every player or coach moves clubs,” Ologbondiyan remarked.
Internal crisis and delayed decisions
The PDP is grappling with unresolved internal issues, including the repeated postponement of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which many believe has delayed critical decisions around leadership and party strategy. The NEC is now scheduled to convene on Monday, May 27, with the National Convention tentatively planned for August.
“If you look at recent meetings, beginning with the one held at Ibadan, certain decisions were made to address internal party issues. They have now fixed the NEC meeting for 27 May, and discussions are ongoing about holding the National Convention in August,” he said.
Ologbondiyan emphasized that resolving the leadership crisis must come before any serious conversation about the PDP’s 2027 presidential candidate. While names such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have circulated, he said candidacy should be determined not by ambition alone but by the party’s collective assessment of who can help it win.
“In politics, ambition is a personal decision… However, the real question is this: do members of the party believe that his candidacy will help to promote the PDP? That is what the party’s leaders must consider.”
Zoning debate and regional dynamics
The former PDP spokesperson also addressed the ongoing debate over zoning, following recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) suggesting that the next presidential ticket should return to the South. Ologbondiyan warned that the PDP must navigate these regional demands carefully to maintain national relevance.
“The FCT Minister may argue that the South should complete its eight years… Someone else might argue for the South East. Another might say the South South deserves the ticket. Meanwhile, someone from the North might present reasons why the candidate should come from the North West, North East or North Central.”
More defections expected — but elections aren’t won on paper
Ologbondiyan predicted that defections will continue, describing them as part of the political cycle. However, he cautioned that electoral outcomes depend on voter sentiment, not just the alignment of political actors. He cited a notable case from the 2023 election, where the PDP lost a state despite having both the governor and vice presidential candidate.
“Governors will leave. Senators will leave. Members of the House of Representatives will leave… But let us also remember: in 2023, we had a sitting PDP governor who was also our vice presidential candidate. Yet, the PDP still lost that state to the Labour Party.”
He also urged the PDP to consider alliances with other opposition parties, warning that new political entities could emerge under the current administration, further fragmenting the voter base.
As internal tensions grow and the 2027 elections approach, the PDP faces critical decisions: rebuild or unravel. For now, the political “transfer window” remains wide open—and the next moves could shape Nigeria’s opposition politics for years to come.
