The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has been dealt a severe blow with the defection of a prominent chieftain, Chief Niyi Aborisade, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Mass Exodus Rocks Oyo PDP
On December 31, 2025, human rights lawyer and political figure, Chief Niyi Aborisade, formally left the PDP. He was joined by top leaders and a significant number of supporters from across all 33 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at an official ceremony in Ibadan, Aborisade attributed his exit to deep-rooted, unresolved internal conflicts within the PDP. He described the party as being in a state of decline and no longer capable of presenting a credible platform for upcoming elections.
"I have laboured for PDP, spent personal resources and worked tirelessly, yet internal conflicts remain unresolved," Aborisade stated. He criticized the party's persistent factional disputes and lack of internal democracy, which he said had eroded its structure and credibility.
He positioned the ADC as a viable alternative, claiming it offers a platform for fair internal contests. Aborisade also took aim at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing rising hunger, fuel scarcity, and soaring food costs as evidence of its failure.
ADC Welcomes New Members, PDP Seeks Internal Peace
The Oyo State Chairman of the ADC, Yinka Olona, enthusiastically welcomed Aborisade and his supporters. Olona described the move as part of a broader national political realignment and asserted that the ADC is positioned as the credible opposition alternative Nigerians are seeking.
Meanwhile, within the PDP's national ranks, efforts are ongoing to resolve the party's protracted leadership crisis. Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim expressed optimism that the dispute could be settled within one week through political dialogue rather than prolonged litigation.
During a consultative meeting with the PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim argued that a political solution is crucial for the party's survival. He referenced specific sections of the PDP Constitution, noting that a majority of National Executive Committee (NEC) members elected before the disputed Ibadan convention retain legitimate power to intervene.
Turaki, in response, thanked him for the visit and reiterated the leadership's openness to reconciliation, provided any solution safeguards the party's unity and stability.
PDP Plans Legal Action Over Ekiti Candidate Exclusion
In a separate but related development, the PDP announced plans to take legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the exclusion of its candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
In a statement by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP accused INEC of bias. The party stated that its primaries, which produced Dr. Oluwole Oluyede as its candidate, were monitored and confirmed by INEC as compliant with the law.
The party claimed INEC provided nomination portal codes but then blocked access close to the deadline, forcing a manual submission which was acknowledged. The PDP argues there is no competing claim to its ticket in Ekiti and no court order preventing INEC from recognizing Oluyede, making his exclusion unjustified.
This defection in Oyo and the legal challenge in Ekiti signal significant turbulence for the PDP as political alignments for the 2027 general elections begin to crystallize across Nigeria.
