The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has suffered a fresh political blow following the defection of one of its notable chieftains, Barrister Niyi Aborisade, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the PDP as a “sinking ship.”
Aborisade, a lawyer, human rights activist and PDP gubernatorial aspirant, formally announced his defection on Tuesday in Ibadan, where he led a large group of his supporters into the ADC. He said his decision was driven by the absence of genuine democratic practices, fairness and equity within the PDP.
Speaking at a press briefing, Aborisade said his exit from the ruling party had become inevitable due to what he described as “bad and labour-loss experiences,” adding that members who sacrificed personal resources for the party had little to show for their efforts.
“We have worked and laboured for the PDP, spending our personal money for the party, but it appears the road is very long for them,” he said.
He further accused the PDP of deep internal divisions and weak leadership, noting that unresolved conflicts had crippled the party’s capacity to function effectively.
“The PDP is deeply fractured and lacks direction. No serious politician would remain on a sinking ship when there is a better alternative,” Aborisade declared.
According to him, repeated efforts to resolve the party’s internal crises failed due to the unwillingness of key actors to listen to reason, making continued membership untenable.
Aborisade contrasted the PDP’s internal turmoil with what he described as the ADC’s inclusive and democratic culture, which he said allows members to freely contest elections and exercise their fundamental rights without imposition.
“ADC will not dictate candidates to anybody. There will be free and fair elections. It is the correct platform to do whatever you want to do,” he stated.
He also lamented what he described as the gradual erosion of democracy in both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that internal failures within the PDP had further weakened the party.
“APC is part of the problem, but PDP also allowed things to go wrong. We tried to resolve the internal issues, but the protagonists refused to listen. That is why we are moving to ADC,” he said.
Expressing confidence in his new political home, Aborisade said his defection would strengthen the ADC in Oyo State and beyond, promising to deploy his grassroots network to grow the party.
“With the calibre of people who have joined, ADC will become a formidable party in Oyo State and Nigeria,” he added.
Receiving Aborisade and his supporters, the Oyo State Chairman of the ADC, Mr. Yinka Olona, welcomed them into the party, expressing delight over the development and assuring them of cooperation and a productive political future within the ADC
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