Oyo PDP Party Crisis Deepens As More Members Defect

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State deepened at the weekend as prominent party leaders, led by Chief Niyi Aborisade, formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The defectors cited unresolved internal divisions and the absence of internal democracy within the party as reasons.

Aborisade, who announced his defection at a gathering of party supporters and ADC officials in Yemetu; Ibadan, said the persistent factional disputes within the PDP had made it increasingly difficult for the party to function effectively or present a credible candidate in future elections.

“I have become a member of the African Democratic Congress. I have met with the leaders of the party, and I have carefully observed the challenges facing the PDP.

“Given the deep divisions and persistent factions, it appears unlikely that PDP can present a credible candidate in the next election,” he said.

The British-trained human right lawyer noted that despite years of commitment, personal sacrifice and financial investment by party members, PDP leaders had failed to resolve the internal conflicts undermining the party.

According to him, repeated attempts at reconciliation were frustrated by what he described as the refusal of key actors to listen to reason.

“These unresolved crises continue to weaken the party, and democracy itself is under threat within PDP. In that situation, we have no option but to move forward,” Aborisade, a governorship aspirant said.

He disclosed that he was defecting to ADC alongside supporters drawn from all 33 local government areas of the state, many of whom are leaders within the PDP.

He explained that the decision was based on a shared belief that the party could no longer offer a viable political platform.

‘’They have read the signs of the times and understand that PDP can no longer provide a clear path forward,” he said.

Aborisade described ADC as a party committed to internal democracy, fairness and equity, stressing that the party offers a level playing field for all aspirants.

He said ADC would not impose candidates and would guarantee free, fair and credible internal elections.

“This is not about me alone. It is about providing a platform where everyone can contest freely and exercise their fundamental rights. If I am not chosen, I am ready to work with whoever emerges. That is the spirit of ADC”, he said.