A Nigerian journalist, writer, publisher and political activist, Michael Samuel Idoko, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains the only formidable opposition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and reclaiming power at the federal level in the 2027 general elections.
Idoko, who is also an aspirant for the Kogi State House of Assembly representing Olamaboro constituency, made the remarks while speaking with journalists on the current state of opposition politics in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigerians seeking genuine political change must rally behind the PDP rather than emerging parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he argued lacks the national structure and political strength required to defeat the ruling party.
“The truth is simple and Nigerians must not deceive themselves,” Idoko said. “Today, the Peoples Democratic Party remains the only formidable opposition party in Nigeria. Any claim that the African Democratic Congress can replace PDP as the major opposition is simply unrealistic.”
He maintained that while the emergence of new political parties is part of democratic development, the political reality in Nigeria requires strong national structures, experienced leadership, and deep grassroots networks to win elections.
“ADC can never be a realistic option for Nigerians who truly want change,” he said. “Except some people are deliberately working behind the scenes to help the APC remain in power in 2027, there is no logical reason to abandon the PDP for a party that does not have the structure to win.”
Idoko noted that the PDP remains one of the most organized political parties in Nigeria with established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the party continues to maintain strong influence at various levels of government.
“PDP has structures in every ward, every local government and every state in Nigeria,” he said. “It has governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and state assembly members. That kind of political infrastructure cannot be built overnight.”
He explained that such nationwide political reach is essential for any party hoping to defeat an incumbent government.
“To remove a ruling party from power, you need a strong opposition with nationwide presence and a tested political machinery. PDP already has that foundation and the experience to mobilize Nigerians across the country,” he stated.
The Kogi politician further argued that it would be extremely difficult for the ADC to win a single state in the 2027 general elections due to what he described as its limited grassroots presence and lack of political structures.
According to him, the party currently lacks experienced political leaders and grassroots mobilizers capable of delivering electoral victories across Nigeria.
“Winning elections in Nigeria requires serious political machinery,” Idoko said. “ADC does not have the structures, the experienced leadership, or the grassroots reach to win a state, let alone challenge for the presidency.”
He added that Nigerian voters often consider the credibility, experience, and governance history of political parties before making electoral decisions.
“When Nigerians go to the polls, they look at parties that have demonstrated the capacity to govern. PDP governed this country for years and produced leaders who understand the complexities of national administration,” he said.
Idoko further emphasized that the PDP remains the only political platform capable of challenging the APC for control of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the seat of Nigeria’s federal government.
“If Nigerians truly want to chase the APC out of Aso Rock, the only realistic platform to do that today is the PDP,” he said.
He warned that the proliferation of smaller opposition parties could divide the opposition vote and ultimately strengthen the ruling party’s chances of retaining power.
“Opposition votes must not be scattered across multiple small parties. That only benefits the ruling party. A fragmented opposition cannot defeat a sitting government,” he stated.
Idoko also alleged that members of the ruling party are aware of the PDP’s strength and have continued to exploit internal disagreements within the party in order to weaken it ahead of the 2027 elections.
“APC members know very well that PDP remains the strongest opposition party in Nigeria,” he said. “That is why they are doing everything possible to create disunity and silence voices within the party.”
He urged PDP leaders and supporters across the country to prioritize unity and reconciliation in order to strengthen the party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“What the PDP needs now is unity of purpose. If we come together, resolve our differences and focus on rebuilding the party, we can present a credible alternative to Nigerians,” he said.
The Kogi Assembly aspirant also called on Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current state of governance to support the PDP as the most viable platform for democratic change.
“Democracy thrives when there is a strong opposition,” Idoko said. “Nigerians who truly want a change of leadership must rally behind the PDP because it is the only party today with the strength, experience and nationwide support to challenge and defeat the APC.”
He concluded by urging political stakeholders, party members and young Nigerians to work together to rebuild the PDP into a stronger political force ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The task before us is clear,” he said. “We must rebuild the PDP, strengthen its structures and present credible leadership that will restore the confidence of Nigerians.”
