A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former ally of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Muhammadu Abdullahi Sugar, has urged the governors of Bauchi and Zamfara states not to succumb to pressure to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party.

Sugar specifically called on Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, and his Zamfara State counterpart, Dauda Lawal Dare, to remain steadfast, warning that alleged attempts by the APC-led federal administration to entice or intimidate opposition governors pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking in Kano, Sugar said Nigerians are increasingly dissatisfied with the APC government, adding that the wave of defections being driven by intimidation is a dangerous development for the country’s political system. Sugar also argued that such defections not only undermine democratic values but also amount to an abuse of the electorate’s mandate, as many of those switching parties were elected on platforms different from the APC.

According to him, joining the APC is not a solution to Nigeria’s current challenges, noting that many of the governors who have defected did so under undue pressure that could be described as blackmail.

Sugar acknowledged that the PDP has suffered losses through the defection of some governors and members but maintained that these setbacks would not weaken the party’s resolve to reclaim lost ground ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“It is clear to the electorate how the country is being reduced to something else through the constant defection of governors and other elected officials. These defections are a clear abuse of the people’s mandate. That is why we are calling on the governors of Zamfara and Bauchi states to remain resolute and loyal to the party,” he said.

He further expressed confidence that the performance of the remaining PDP governors in the North would strengthen the party’s chances, adding that many Nigerians remain hopeful that the PDP will soon regain its strength and relevance. (Daily Trust)