By Erewunmi Peace

Prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have accused the Federal Government of deploying threats, blackmail, and political patronage to pressure their members into defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The allegation was made during a high-level strategy meeting held in Abuja on Monday, which brought together influential figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, and former governors Sule Lamido, Ahmed Makarfi, and Babangida Aliyu, among others.

In a strongly worded communique issued after the meeting, the PDP leaders condemned what they described as a calculated attempt by the APC-led government to weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There is an ongoing and well-orchestrated campaign of coercion through threats, blackmail, and patronage being used by the APC to force elected and influential members of our party into their fold,” the statement read.

The leaders expressed concern over the increasing use of state power and security agencies to intimidate opposition figures, warning that democracy in Nigeria was under threat.

They also criticized the current economic hardship, widespread insecurity, and declining democratic values under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the country’s governance has continued to deteriorate.

Calling for unity among opposition groups, the PDP stalwarts hinted at the need to form a broad coalition that could “rescue Nigeria” from what they described as APC’s misrule.

The meeting marks a renewed push by PDP elites to reposition the party as a viable alternative, following a series of defections and electoral setbacks in recent months.

As the political climate intensifies in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, this development is likely to escalate tensions between Nigeria’s two leading political parties.