Dino Melaye Declares PDP Weak and Under APC’s Grip

Former lawmaker Dino Melaye has stirred controversy after declaring that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is “dead, buried, and controlled” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at a political gathering, Melaye argued that the PDP has lost its voice as Nigeria’s leading opposition party and no longer represents a credible alternative for Nigerians.

According to him, internal divisions, weak leadership, and alleged external influence from the APC have left the PDP unable to challenge government policies effectively. He insisted that until the party is rebuilt on unity and transparency, it will continue to lose relevance in national politics.

Melaye’s remarks come at a time when many Nigerians are questioning the strength of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. For democracy to thrive, analysts say, a strong opposition is crucial to holding the government accountable and offering citizens real choices.

Some PDP supporters, however, have dismissed Melaye’s statement as political grandstanding, while others admit that the party must urgently address its internal problems if it hopes to regain public trust.

In simple terms, the debate around PDP is bigger than one party — it is about whether Nigeria’s democracy has enough checks and balances. Without a strong opposition, governance risks becoming one-sided, leaving citizens with fewer voices to represent their concerns.