PDP Crisis Deepens in Lagos as Top Leaders, Spokesman Defect to APC

Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was thrown into turmoil on Monday following a wave of defections that saw several high-ranking members, including the party’s spokesperson, Hakeem Amode, join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass exit has raised serious questions about the future of the PDP in the state and its ability to remain a credible opposition force.

The defection, which occurred during a press conference in Ikeja, represents a significant realignment of political allegiances and highlights growing dissatisfaction within the PDP at both state and national levels. It also appears to further weaken the opposition’s hold in Nigeria’s commercial capital ahead of upcoming elections.

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Benedict: Politicians Without Jobs Are Vulnerable to Defection

Reacting to the mass exodus, PDP Deputy Chairman in Lagos State, Tai Benedict, attributed the defection to the lack of financial stability among many politicians. According to him, individuals who rely solely on politics for livelihood often shift allegiances to remain relevant and secure income.

“You see, when you are in politics and you are jobless, you are bound to lose when you are out,” he said. “It is only when you just have politics that you will see that everyone is running helter-skelter. Because they know that once that avenue is closed, that is the end.”

Benedict, who identified himself as a dairy farmer, said he remains financially independent and committed to his party. He added, “Somebody like me, I am a farmer. I produce dairy. I am still producing dairy in large quantities. That is what I do. And I do it for food.”

The PDP deputy chairman further criticized the motives of some defectors, accusing them of pursuing personal interests at the expense of national development. “So many people are not interested in the country; they want to be at the helm of affairs by all means,” he lamented. When asked if monetary inducements influenced the defections, Benedict said, “They have not been bought over. But the interest of a lot of us, a good number of people, is not Nigeria.”

Amode, Other Leaders Collapse PDP Structure into APC

In a move that shocked party loyalists, former PDP spokesperson Hakeem Amode declared that the entire PDP structure in Lagos had been dissolved to align with the APC, citing disillusionment with the PDP’s current direction. Amode noted that their decision was inspired by Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), the 2023 PDP gubernatorial candidate, who had earlier joined the APC.

“Today, we have decided to collapse the entire PDP structure in Lagos State, from ward to the state level to align with Jandor to defect en masse to the APC,” Amode announced. He criticized the PDP for losing its ideological focus and straying from the principles that once made it Africa’s most respected political platform.

Other notable defectors include former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) Rufus Adeniyi, Surulere House of Reps candidate Jerry Afemikhe, and several 2023 State House of Assembly candidates such as Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1), Akeem Jinadu (Eti-Osa 1), Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2), Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1), Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2), Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1), and Taofeek Kuye (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1).

PDP’s Uncertain Future in Lagos and Nationwide

The latest wave of defections has triggered anxiety within the PDP about its survival, not just in Lagos but nationwide. Tai Benedict admitted to this growing concern, saying, “Some will come and some will go. We don’t even know what is going to happen to the PDP, generally, nationwide.”

He further noted the uncertainty among party faithful: “There is a correlation of the thing what is going on. We don’t know how many of us will remain in the PDP. We don’t know how many of us will go into isolation.”

As defections continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape, analysts believe the PDP must urgently redefine its vision, restructure its leadership, and restore internal cohesion if it hopes to survive. Meanwhile, the APC seems to be consolidating power in key regions, leveraging its influence and strategic alliances to attract defectors from a weakened opposition.

The political storm in Lagos may well serve as a bellwether for broader national shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections, as Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve amid economic pressures, leadership challenges, and changing voter expectations.