The attention of Nigerians was recently drawn to an unexpected clash between two opposition parties: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). What began as a routine media appearance by Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, quickly escalated into a war of words. Abdullahi, in a televised interview, criticized the PDP instead of focusing on what many expected would be the more common target the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP responded swiftly, condemning Abdullahi’s comments as an “unprovoked public verbal assault” and accusing him of using ADC’s platform to indirectly do the APC’s bidding. The PDP and ADC clash now raises serious concerns among Nigerians who hoped for a united front against the APC in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
PDP’s Position: We’re Focused on the Real Battle
In a strongly-worded statement signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, the party expressed disappointment that Abdullahi, a former spokesperson of the APC, would take aim at the PDP rather than the party he once defended. “It is rather unfortunate that the APC-indoctrinated Abdullahi is apparently unhappy that the PDP is building momentum against the APC,” the statement read.
Rather than respond in kind, PDP maintained it would not descend into inter-party squabbles with other opposition groups. It insisted that the real issue lies with the APC’s failure in governance, and that its focus remains on galvanizing Nigerians to vote out the ruling party in 2027.
“The PDP, with its track record of performance which Nigerians still recall with nostalgia, will continue to vigorously challenge the failed APC on issues,” the party noted.
PDP also used the opportunity to remind Nigerians of its ongoing efforts to unify and rebuild. It referenced the success of its recent National Executive Committee meeting and plans for the upcoming National Convention in Ibadan, set for November 2025.
Mixed Reactions From Nigerians: A Divided Opposition?
The PDP and ADC clash triggered a wave of mixed reactions online. Many Nigerians took to social media to voice their frustration with what they see as an opposition that remains distracted and fragmented.
@HonAbdulAhmad2 tweeted, “My party has a gut to reply an opposition but can’t respond to the incumbent.” His comment echoed the sentiment of many who feel that PDP is more focused on protecting its image than holding the ruling party accountable.
Another user, @enebome, added, “My unsolicited response to this is that without a united opposition, die the talk about removing the ruling APC from Aso Rock. 2031 can be contestable, not 2027 that’s just out of it.”
A different shade of criticism came from @blessed_gaga, who wrote, “The coalition people body una dey get power. Where is your tweet condemning Fayose’s endorsement of Tinubu yesterday?”
Also Read: ADC Slams Tinubu: Stop Using Buhari’s Death to Rebrand Failure
More reactions poured in:
- @SimplyTEEWHY: “You go defeat Tinubu with all your elected and NWC members DAILY telling anyone who cares to listen that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock and Tinubu’s second term victory is assured.”
- @NonsoEzeani1: “Why not point out the lie @BolajiADC told? Or do you think Nigerians don’t know the PDP is now an outstation of the APC?”
- @900crence: “Let me guess: creating a coalition ADC is a decoy. Pretend to push Atiku out, field Obi, then it wouldn’t look like Atiku didn’t contest and boom, perhaps a chance for PDP.”
- @realayoadajo: “Please leave ADC out of your conversation, face the real enemy, the APC. Stop gaslighting.”
- @insidercorp1: “While Debo is known to be reserved, the party PDP has failed in leadership hence ceased from being a major opposition party… which ADC has now taken over anyway. Nigerians across party lines are joining ADC — the incoming govt party by God’s grace.”
These reactions reveal a growing public skepticism about whether the PDP can truly lead the charge against APC come 2027. The PDP and ADC clash has done little to inspire confidence in a united opposition movement.
Where Do We Go From Here?
At the heart of this political feud lies a larger issue: the need for a cohesive and focused opposition. If parties like PDP and ADC are more invested in attacking each other than presenting a united alternative, the APC may continue its dominance without meaningful challenge.
While the PDP claims to be the only party with a strong national spread and experience to unseat the APC, Nigerians are increasingly calling for proof through action, not just press releases. The ADC, on the other hand, appears to be gaining ground among younger voters and civil society groups who crave a departure from the politics of the past.
The coming months will be critical. If both parties genuinely want to challenge the status quo, they must put ego aside, unify their message, and focus on the common adversary — the APC. The PDP and ADC clash, while unfortunate, can still serve as a turning point for strategic collaboration, not endless conflict.
Until then, Nigerians watch and wait, hoping that opposition parties will stop the blame game and start building the coalition needed to rescue the country.
What are your thoughts? Can PDP and ADC work together to defeat the APC in 2027, or are we headed for another fragmented election cycle? Share your views in the comments.
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