Defections from PDP To APC painful, worrisome – Party reconciliation chair

The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Appeal and Reconciliation Committee in Kaduna State, Shuaibu Idris Miqati, has described the recent wave of defections from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as painful and worrisome.

However, he assured PDP supporters that with time, his party will be back to status quo by welcoming back members who left earlier.

In a statement, Miqati acknowledged that the defections were troubling but maintained that the party’s ongoing reconciliation efforts, backed by elders and leaders, would address grievances and strengthen the party.

“Politics is dynamic, and change is constant. You will soon see more defections from APC to PDP. Be prepared and watch as events unfold. If care is not taken, history will repeat itself. In 2014, many people left the PDP, but today, a significant number of them have returned,” he said.

Miqati noted that while internal issues—such as congresses and primary elections—may have contributed to the defections, they were not enough reason for loyal members to leave, especially since the PDP had inaugurated an Appeal and Reconciliation Committee.

“The committee has commenced work in earnest, with maximum support from party elders and leaders. There is a strong commitment to addressing irregularities and making amends where necessary. Given this, is leaving the party truly justifiable?” he asked.

He emphasised that disagreements are inevitable in any political group and should not lead to disunity.

“Disagreements, differences, and challenges are normal and even necessary in any gathering of people. If everyone agrees all the time, it may suggest hypocrisy rather than sincerity. It is painful to lose members, but such is life—nothing remains constant,” he said.

Miqati admitted that PDP could have handled its congresses and internal processes better, adding that early intervention in addressing grievances might have stemmed the wave of defections.

“The party could have done better if the congresses were conducted under more favorable conditions. It is not surprising that some members were aggrieved. However, had we reached out to them earlier, we might have prevented some of these departures,” he added.