By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the main opposition party as an extension of the ruling party.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Melaye, who recently defected from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleged that the PDP is no longer functioning independently.
“PDP has been purchased by APC. PDP is now a parastatal of the APC. They even schedule NEC and NWC meetings based on directives from the [Presidential] Villa,” he said.
Melaye criticized current PDP governors for failing to perform as opposition leaders, alleging they were “holding fort” for the APC.
He cited the recent remarks by former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, who urged Nigerians to tolerate President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as further evidence that the PDP lacks the will to challenge the ruling party.
Melaye said his defection was necessary due to the PDP’s failure to rescue Nigeria from what he described as “prevailing political cankerworms.”
Expressing confidence in the ADC, Melaye said the party would soon produce a viable presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. However, he emphasized the need to first stabilize the party and conduct a transparent convention before endorsing any aspirant.
