PDP State Chairmen Allege APC Intimidating, Coercing Members, Warn Against One-Party State
The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of engaging in widespread acts of intimidation and coercion targeted at PDP governors, lawmakers, and party members across the country.
In a statement jointly signed by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP, and Sir Edward Percy Masha, Secretary of the Forum, the opposition leaders described the APC’s conduct as “undemocratic, desperate, and systematic,” alleging that it was part of a coordinated effort to weaken the PDP ahead of the party’s forthcoming National Elective Convention.
The statement followed a crucial meeting of the PDP State Chairmen Forum held on Monday, October 14, 2025, at the PDP FCT Secretariat in Abuja.
The meeting, presided over by Sir Edward Percy Masha, extensively discussed issues affecting the party’s internal cohesion, preparations for the November 15–16 convention, and the general state of the opposition across Nigeria.
According to the communiqué, the forum expressed deep concern over what it called “the ruling party’s growing tendency to use intimidation, harassment, and inducement” to lure opposition figures into defecting.
The forum warned that such practices threaten Nigeria’s democracy and could pave the way for a one-party system if left unchecked.
“The forum condemns in strong terms the APC’s undemocratic and desperate actions aimed at forcing PDP leaders—including governors, senators, and members of both the National and State Assemblies—to abandon the party. This is a direct assault on multiparty democracy and a dangerous move toward a one-party dictatorship,” the statement read.
The forum also addressed internal party issues, raising alarm over the activities of some PDP members allegedly working with APC interests to sabotage the upcoming convention.
It specifically named Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Hon. Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State) for seeking a court order to stop the convention, describing their actions as “a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective will.”
As a disciplinary measure, both members were suspended from the forum. In the same resolution, the body appointed Dr. Tony Aziegbemi of Edo State as the new Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum.
The forum concluded by reaffirming its commitment to preserving internal unity within the PDP, strengthening democratic processes, and defending Nigeria’s multiparty political system against any form of authoritarian encroachment.
