KATSINA – Former Senator Ahmed Kaita has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a weakened opposition that has lost its former influence, especially in light of recent mass defections.
Speaking Thursday evening during a meeting of a coalition of political groups in Katsina State, Kaita said the PDP had become a shadow of its former self and might not be able to play any meaningful role in the next general elections.
He pointed to the defection of key figures—including state governors, lawmakers at both state and national levels, and former Vice President Namadi Sambo—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a sign of the PDP’s dwindling relevance.
“With such defections, it will be difficult, if not impossible, for the PDP to function effectively as the main opposition party in the next election cycle,” Kaita said.
In response to this perceived decline, Kaita revealed that he and other prominent Nigerians were working to form a new political front that could challenge the APC. He said the coalition was in discussions to adopt a single, existing political party that could serve as a strong opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that consultations were ongoing at both state and national levels, and that a decision on which party the coalition would join would be announced in the coming weeks.
Kaita also criticised the APC-led federal government, alleging that funds meant for development were being siphoned by individuals in power, worsening the country’s socio-economic challenges.
Also speaking at the meeting, former Secretary to the Katsina State Government (SSG), Dr Mustapha Inuwa, urged members of the coalition to stay committed and avoid defecting to the APC or other parties for personal gain. He assured members that their efforts toward building a viable opposition would not be in vain.
During the gathering, hundreds of former PDP members—many of them past or aspiring candidates—were welcomed into the coalition. Their leader, Jamilu Yahaya, pledged loyalty to the coalition’s mission and promised to work closely with its leadership to achieve its objectives.
