The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a fresh wave of internal discord following allegations of forgery linked to its primary election guidelines, a controversy that has further exposed deep-seated divisions within the opposition party.
While the PDP leadership has dismissed the accusations as a smear campaign orchestrated by political opponents, insiders suggest the crisis is symptomatic of a broader struggle for control ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The reports of forgery are not just about documents; they reflect the ongoing battle within the PDP,” said a senior party official, who requested anonymity. “There are factions working against each other, and this is another attempt to discredit certain individuals.”
The allegations surfaced after reports that some party leaders were questioned by the police over purportedly falsified documents. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba strongly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the guidelines remained unchanged.
“The PDP states in clear and unequivocal terms that its primary election guidelines, as approved by the party, have not been compromised by forgery in any way,” Ologunagba said in a statement on Sunday.
However, party insiders indicate that beyond the public denials, tensions are rising between different power blocs, particularly those aligned with former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and newer forces seeking to reshape the party’s leadership.
A former PDP state chairman said, “The real issue is not forgery; it is the power struggle. There are people trying to impose candidates for key positions, and those resisting them are being targeted.”
The PDP has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring the allegations to destabilize the opposition. Ologunagba alleged that “agents of the APC” were behind the claims, seeking to create a scandal to weaken the PDP ahead of the next election cycle.
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Beyond the political maneuvering, the controversy raises concerns about the party’s internal governance and credibility as Nigeria’s leading opposition force.
While the party insists it remains “strong and undeterred,” the unfolding drama suggests otherwise. With key figures already positioning themselves for influence, the forgery allegations may just be the tip of the iceberg in the PDP’s ongoing internal battle.
