The political landscape in Nigeria is heating up as the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) continues to send shockwaves across the country. Kola Ologbodiyan, former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has weighed in on the matter, predicting that El-Rufai’s exit could trigger an implosion within the ruling APC.
Here’s a breakdown of Ologbodiyan’s insights and what this means for Nigeria’s political future.
El-Rufai’s Exit: A Blow to the APC
Nasir El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC and one of its most influential figures, announced his resignation from the party on Monday, citing dissatisfaction with its leadership and direction. In his resignation statement, El-Rufai accused the APC of sidelining its members and failing to address internal issues.
“There is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party,” El-Rufai stated.
His defection to the SDP has raised questions about the stability of the APC and its ability to maintain unity ahead of future elections.
Ologbodiyan’s Prediction: APC Implosion Imminent
During an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show,’ Kola Ologbodiyan didn’t mince words about the potential fallout from El-Rufai’s departure. He described the former governor as a “founding machine” of the APC and warned that his exit could lead to a crisis within the party.
“There will be an implosion in President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s party, the APC, and anybody in doubt of that should look at what has happened with El-Rufai’s resignation,” Ologbodiyan said.
He added, “El-Rufai is a founding machine in the All Progressives Congress, and if a founding machine can leave the party, you can imagine what’s going to follow.”
A Call for Stronger Opposition
Ologbodiyan also called on the media to support opposition parties, particularly the PDP, as it works to resolve its internal crises. He emphasized the importance of a vibrant opposition in a democracy and warned against a culture of silence.
“The media should embolden opposition parties as the PDP struggles to resolve its lingering crisis. The culture of silence should not be encouraged,” he said.
PDP’s Stance on Coalition
When asked about the proposed coalition of opposition parties, Ologbodiyan revealed that the PDP has not yet made a decision on the matter. However, he hinted that the party is open to aligning with other political groups to strengthen the opposition and provide a viable alternative to the APC.
“The party has not decided on the matter, but we will align with other parties to strengthen the opposition,” he stated.
What This Means for Nigerian Politics
El-Rufai’s defection is more than just a personal decision—it’s a sign of deeper cracks within the APC. As one of its founding members, his exit could encourage other disgruntled members to follow suit, potentially weakening the party’s hold on power.
For the PDP and other opposition parties, this presents an opportunity to regroup, resolve internal conflicts, and position themselves as credible alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
