The Northern Elders Unity Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, of deploying what it described as “reckless and undemocratic tactics” to induce mass defections of PDP members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Secretary, Dr. Abbas Sadauki (Dan Madamin Tofa), after a strategic meeting of PDP elders from Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, Tsafe, and Bungudu local government areas, the Forum alleged that Matawalle was using state influence and financial power to coerce PDP supporters, including elected officials and party executives, into joining the APC.
The group described the move as part of a “calculated political agenda” ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that it could destabilise the region’s political equilibrium and erode democratic values.
“Matawalle has embarked on a desperate mission to dismantle the PDP structure in Zamfara and across the North-West. His use of power and appointments to induce defections has created leadership vacuums and weakened internal democracy,” Dr. Sadauki said.
The Forum further expressed concern that the defection campaign was misleading loyal PDP members with false promises of better opportunities within the APC, cautioning that such practices undermine fairness and political stability.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently call Matawalle to order. His excessive interference and political desperation pose a serious threat to democracy and fair competition in Nigeria,” the statement added.
Reports from Zamfara State indicate that over 24,000 PDP members, including former party executives and elders from six local governments, have so far defected to the APC.
The Forum also alleged that some APC leaders were offering financial inducements and appointment promises to attract PDP supporters, describing the trend as “an act of political desperation that endangers Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.”
