A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Muhammadu Abdullahi Sugar, has appealed to the governors of Bauchi and Zamfara states to remain loyal to the party and resist any pressure to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sugar urged Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare, to stand firm within the PDP, warning that alleged efforts by the APC-led Federal Government to coerce or entice opposition governors pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
Speaking in Kano, he said public dissatisfaction with the APC administration was growing, adding that the recent wave of defections by elected officials had raised serious concerns about political intimidation.
He argued that such defections undermine democratic principles and betray the mandate given by voters, noting that many of those who switched parties were elected on platforms other than the APC.
According to Sugar, joining the ruling party would not solve the country’s problems, stressing that some governors who defected did so under undue pressure.
While acknowledging that the PDP has lost some members, he maintained that the party remains strong and focused ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also expressed confidence that the performance of PDP governors, particularly in the northern states, would boost the party’s chances and help rebuild public trust.