A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in Kaduna State, Edward Auta, has urged members of the opposition to remain calm following a series of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Sunday, Auta described the situation as part of the state’s evolving political dynamics, not a threat to the PDP’s existence.
Auta, a historian and political figure from Narom Village in Zonkwa Ward, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, explained that the recent defections should not come as a surprise, noting that the APC had been strategically consolidating its strength in the state since 2023. “The ongoing defections are neither surprising nor unprecedented as the APC has been positioning itself in Kaduna through calculated appointments and moves designed to consolidate power,” he said.
He attributed the ruling party’s growing influence to what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s deliberate appointments of key national figures from Kaduna, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. According to him, these moves are part of a long-term strategy to weaken the opposition and tighten the APC’s political hold on the state.
The PDP chieftain, however, cautioned against overestimating the significance of the defections, saying Nigeria’s political history has shown that large coalitions formed mainly for power and ambition often collapse under internal divisions. “Too many ambitions under one roof without ideological coherence can become the very undoing of such alliances,” Auta stated.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Auta expressed confidence that the PDP can recover its strength if it focuses on rebuilding internal unity and presenting credible candidates who genuinely reflect the people’s aspirations. He added that many disillusioned figures within the ruling party could eventually return to the PDP once they realise the importance of a balanced political system.
He concluded that the true power lies with the electorate, reminding both parties that political dominance is never permanent. “Ultimately, it is the people who decide and they have not forgotten the power of their votes,” Auta said.
