A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouk Aliyu, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to urgently fix its internal problems or consider a merger with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy.
Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, made the call during an interview on national television.
He warned that a weak and divided opposition poses a danger to democratic growth and political balance in the country.
“I call on my brothers and sisters in the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress to put their acts together. In my opinion, the PDP should merge with the ADC,” he said.
He explained that the PDP is clearly struggling with leadership disputes and internal divisions. According to him, if the party continues on its current path, it risks losing relevance as a major opposition force.
Aliyu noted that strong opposition parties are critical to democracy. He said they help check the excesses of those in power and offer Nigerians alternative political choices.
He reminded Nigerians that the APC itself was born out of a merger. He listed parties such as the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as groups that came together to form the ruling party.
According to him, mergers are not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to achieve a common political goal.
The APC chieftain also dismissed claims that the ruling party is working to weaken the opposition. He insisted that it is not the duty of the APC to unite rival parties.
He said respected leaders within the PDP and ADC must take responsibility and make sacrifices to reposition their parties.
Aliyu stressed that the APC is not afraid of competition. He added that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and not to any single party or political figure.
His comments come at a time when the PDP is battling prolonged leadership crises at both national and state levels.
The party has also suffered a wave of defections, with several governors, lawmakers, and key stakeholders recently crossing over to the APC.
These developments have raised concerns about the future of the PDP as Nigeria’s main opposition party.
