Ologunagba: APC using coercion, threats to lure PDP governors

Debo Ologunagba, spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), has alleged that the defection of Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu state, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was due to intimidation.

Mbah had on October 14, announced his move from the PDP to the APC, citing neglect of the south-east by the party

Speaking on Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme, on Wednesday, Ologunagba alleged that the defection of key members of the PDP to the APC is due to external pressure from the ruling party. 

“This defection is not based on conviction, or some other programmes of the APC that is attractive; it is induced by personal considerations, intimidation, coercion, and threats,” he said.

“The fact is that there is a deliberate action by the government, and the president has said it openly that he will wish to have a one-party state.”

Ologunagba described the PDP is a broad-based party with policies and programmes that are people-oriented. 

“The strength of the PDP is in the people, though we do not discount the importance of governors,” he said. 

“This is the only party in this country today that has followership and membership across every section of the country.”

Olugunagba noted that the PDP is focused on its forthcoming national convention in Oyo state. 

“You must have structures that can produce solid candidates that can win elections. This party is not about individuals or groups who say they want to bring it down,” he said.

The PDP spokesperson noted that the records of his party under its sixteen years of governance can secure it more elected positions in the 2027 elections. 

He alleged that some members of the PDP are undermining the party, adding that such issues will be addressed.

Ologunagba claimed that the party been fair to the south-east, adding that the region has held offices of the senate president, deputy, and speaker of the house of representatives. 

He noted that his party recognises that the zone has genuine concerns, but it is “not limited to only the south-east”. 

“What we are concerned about now is to begin to rebuild based on the people. In 2027, the election will be between the APC and the Nigerian people, not so much on political parties,” he said.