The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Debo Ologunagba, has dismissed claims that the opposition party is dead, saying such narratives only serve to highlight the party’s continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Ologunagba said those who claim the PDP has lost influence are ironically the ones who monitor its every move and constantly mention it in the media.
“If PDP is dead as they claim, why are they still obsessed with us? Why do they keep talking about us every day? It only shows the PDP remains the main party to beat,” he said.
PDP not a failed party, says Ologunagba
Responding to suggestions that the PDP has failed due to its losses in past elections, Ologunagba rejected the notion, describing the party as resilient and under pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Failure? Failure of what? The PDP is not a failed party,” he said.
“What we are experiencing are defections largely induced by intimidation and harassment from the ruling APC. What is happening is intimidation and coercion by the APC to lure members away.”
He argued that the PDP has continued to maintain strong structures nationwide and remains the most viable alternative to the APC, especially as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.
2027: PDP will present its strongest candidate
When asked about the possibility of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State becoming the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2027, Ologunagba confirmed Makinde’s qualifications but stressed that the party would focus on choosing the most formidable candidate to challenge the APC.
“Is he qualified? Yes. But the PDP will put forward its best candidate, someone who can defeat the APC in the 2027 elections,” he stated.
He did not confirm whether former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar would run again, but reiterated that the party remains open to all qualified aspirants, including younger leaders and emerging voices.
Special convention in Ibadan signals PDP’s momentum
Ologunagba also disclosed that the PDP is making active preparations for a special convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, which he said is part of the party’s wider efforts to reorganize, rebuild, and reconnect with Nigerians.
He described the PDP as a party focused on national interest and democratic values, and one that is constantly evolving in response to the socio-political realities of the country.
“We are not just sitting back; we are already organizing and preparing. The convention in Ibadan is not just symbolic—it’s a strong signal that the PDP is alive and working.”
A resilient party despite challenges
The PDP, which ruled Nigeria for 16 years between 1999 and 2015, has struggled to reclaim the presidency since its defeat by the APC in the 2015 general elections. While it has remained active at the state and federal legislative levels, the party has faced internal wrangling, leadership changes, and defections in recent years.
However, Ologunagba insists that none of these developments indicate collapse.
“You cannot destroy a party that is grounded in Nigeria’s democratic foundation. The PDP is here to stay, and the coming months will prove that we are still the party to beat,” he said.
Final thoughts
As Nigeria’s political space begins to shift focus toward the 2027 elections, the PDP appears to be positioning itself for a comeback. Whether that translates into electoral victory remains to be seen, but the party’s spokesperson has made it clear: the PDP is not dead—and certainly not done.
