A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly backed by former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike has denied reports of an alliance with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and distanced itself from a political gathering held in Ibadan. In a statement issued by party officials, the group described the claims as “baseless and mischievous,” insisting that its loyalty remains firmly with the PDP and that it has no ties to the Ibadan meeting. “We categorically deny any alliance with the APM. Our focus is on strengthening the PDP ahead of the elections, and any suggestion otherwise is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public,” one official said.
Supporters of the faction quickly amplified the denial, taking to social media to dismiss the reports as propaganda aimed at undermining their credibility. Many argued that the rumors were politically motivated, designed to portray the group as disloyal and to weaken its influence within the PDP. Others expressed relief at the clarification, noting that an alliance with the APM would have been seen as a betrayal of the party’s base.
Rival parties seized on the controversy, with some suggesting that the initial reports reflected deeper divisions within the PDP. APM representatives denied any formal alliance talks, but welcomed the publicity as evidence of their growing relevance in the political landscape. Members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) mocked the PDP faction, claiming the denial showed confusion and disunity within the opposition.
The political implications of the denial are significant. Analysts say the clarification is intended to reassure PDP members and prevent further divisions within the party, especially as internal rivalries continue to shape its strategy ahead of the polls. By distancing itself from the Ibadan gathering, the Wike backed group seeks to maintain its standing within the PDP while countering narratives that it is plotting against the party’s leadership. Observers note that the incident underscores the fragile state of party unity, with rumors of alliances and defections often used as tools in Nigeria’s competitive political environment.
For now, the denial may calm tensions within the PDP, but it also highlights the challenges the party faces in managing internal factions and presenting a united front in the run up to the elections. The reactions from rival parties suggest that the controversy will continue to be used as political ammunition, testing the PDP’s ability to control its narrative and maintain cohesion.
