Mass Defection, Reflection Of PDP’s Internal Crisis, Says Group

The Democratic Front (TDF) has described the wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a reflection of the party’s internal affairs rather than a deliberate attempt to weaken the opposition.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group expressed disappointment with the opposition’s resort to blackmail.

It stated: “We are disappointed that some opposition figures in the country have resorted to cheap blackmail by accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of inciting animosity among its members.

“This is, to us, a shameless attempt to hide their inherent failure and lack of political brinkmanship in managing their party’s internal political affairs.

“Notable in the ongoing politics of deception and cheap blackmail are leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose selfish desire for power triggered a major crisis that led to the party’s implosion.

“TDF is aware that the PDP has been plagued by a self-inflicted crisis since it was stunned and defeated by the APC in the 2015 presidential election, ten years ago.

“Ever since that defeat, the former ruling party has been haunted by its history of abuse of state power, embezzlement of public funds, monumental corruption, and outright betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust.

“The party’s inability to present a presidential candidate with an unblemished personal image and integrity from 2015 to the present has cemented its widely perceived image as a political party for Nigeria’s commonwealth looters.

“The recent gale of defection that hit the PDP in Delta State was not the result of any imaginary influence or interference of President Tinubu or the APC, as alleged by the opposition, but a show of protest by some members of the party against the scheming of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to remain its presidential standard bearer indefinitely, in violation of the party’s internal democracy.

“We also believe that the relevant section of the constitution, which guarantees individual freedom of association, does not apply exclusively to any individual or group. Every Nigerian has the inalienable right to join any group or political party he chooses. As a result, the defection of PDP members in Delta State to the APC should be viewed in light of their legitimate right to associate freely with any group or party of their choosing.

“We believe the opposition’s claims of a looming one-party state are spurious, baseless, and unfounded. The collapse of Atiku’s ill-fated political coalition against President Tinubu was not the result of external interference, but rather of the leprous coalition’s selfishness, dishonesty, and grand mischief.

The group also urged opposition party leaders and members to reject the selfish and bitter politics that led to the failure of Atiku’s coalition against President Tinubu.