2027 TUSSLE: PDP disowns Ibadan ‘Grand Alliance,’ mocks Makinde over ‘defection’ to APM

By Seyifunmi Odunuga 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially disowned the purported "Grand Alliance" gathering held today in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, involving the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

In a high-powered press briefing at Wadata Plaza on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, described the event as a "political camouflage" for Governor Seyi Makinde’s exit from the PDP.

The party insisted it has no alliance, coalition, or agreement with the APM, labeling the Ibadan event—which concluded earlier today—as nothing more than a "public celebration" of Makinde’s defection.

According to the PDP, Makinde’s actions mirror those of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who the party claimed had earlier moved to the APM.

"Let us state clearly and unequivocally that the PDP is not part of any alliance, coalition, agreement, or political arrangement with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) or any other political party regarding this gathering," Mohammed stated.

The party spokesperson further slammed the Oyo Governor, claiming his "ego and pride" have led to his political isolation.

He said, "It is obvious that ego and pride have made it difficult for him to accept the reality of his growing political isolation and failed calculations.

"Nigerians can now clearly see that today’s gathering in Ibadan is simply a public celebration of Governor Makinde’s movement to the APM and nothing more. His attempts to destroy the PDP have finally been exposed."

The PDP leadership also challenged the Governor’s camp on their loyalty, questioning why they failed to purchase nomination forms from the Kabiru Tanimu-led Interim National Working Committee if they truly believed in that faction’s legitimacy.

Mohammed highlighted that while the Ibadan event was ongoing, the "authentic" PDP was busy conducting screening exercises for gubernatorial and presidential aspirants at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

He urged party faithful and the general public to disregard the "theatrics" that took place in Ibadan, reassuring them that the party remains "strong, united, and fully prepared" for the 2027 general elections.

"The truth remains that propaganda and falsehood have an expiry date. The chicken has finally come home to roost," the statement concluded.