PDP Should Register as New Party If Too Weak to Win Elections — Basiru

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to consider registering as a new political party if it believes it no longer has the strength to win elections. Basiru made the statement in Osogbo while receiving former PDP leaders and hundreds of their supporters who defected to the APC ahead of the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election.

Speaking to journalists, Basiru said Nigeria’s constitution does not support a one-party state, and there are established procedures for forming new political parties. “If PDP today believes they have become so weakened and battered that the party is no longer a mechanism for elections, they should go and register as another political entity. But as far as I am concerned, we are committed to building a party that is virile and resonates with the Nigerian people,” he said.

Basiru praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, stating that his administration is earning international recognition and gaining positive ratings from global economic and financial institutions. He expressed confidence that the APC would reclaim Osun State from the current PDP-led government in 2026, criticizing the Adeleke administration for underperformance in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. He noted that increased state allocations have not translated into improved governance.

On behalf of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Basiru presented the party’s symbols to the defecting leaders, Alhaji Tajudeen Adekunle and Mr. Ismail Adisa (Adogan). Other APC stalwarts at the event included Osun Central Senatorial leader Hon. Adeoye Adelakun and former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adegboye Akintunde.