ABUJA, Nigeria – The immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the bb, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, has predicted a potential implosion within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, resigned from the party on 10 March, citing dissatisfaction with its leadership and treatment of members.
In a statement announcing his resignation, he accused the APC of “castrating its organs” and treating its membership with “contempt.”
Ologbodiyan, speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, described El-Rufai’s departure as a significant blow to the APC.
“El-Rufai is a founding machine in the All Progressives Congress, and if a founding machine can leave the party, you can imagine what’s going to follow,” he said.
The former PDP spokesperson warned that the defection could trigger a crisis within the APC, further destabilising the party.
“There will be an implosion in President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s party, the APC, and anybody in doubt of that should look at what has happened with El-Rufai’s resignation,” Ologbodiyan stated.
While commenting on the broader political landscape, Ologbodiyan urged the media to play a more active role in strengthening opposition parties.
“Let us find a way to embolden the opposition because without opposition, there is no democracy,” he said.
He also cautioned against a culture of silence, emphasising the importance of holding those in power accountable.
On the proposed coalition of opposition parties, Ologbodiyan revealed that the PDP has yet to make a final decision but is open to aligning with other parties to strengthen the opposition.
He hinted that factions within the PDP, including those loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, might join the coalition.
“A faction from Atiku or Wike would join the proposed coalition,” he said, adding that the party is focused on resolving its internal crises while exploring alliances to challenge the APC’s dominance.
El-Rufai’s defection has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, with analysts speculating on its potential impact on the APC’s stability ahead of future elections.
The former governor’s criticisms of the Tinubu administration and the APC’s leadership have further fuelled debates about the ruling party’s cohesion and direction.
As the PDP navigates its own internal challenges, Ologbodiyan’s remarks underscore the growing tensions within Nigeria’s political parties and the potential for realignments that could reshape the country’s democratic landscape.
