By Ahmed Abdulkadir
Abuja / Kaduna, 1 November 2025
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is confronting a turbulent week, facing both a high-profile resignation and a court judgment that has temporarily stalled its national convention.
Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, formally resigned from the PDP yesterday, citing the need to align with a political platform that reflects evolving governance realities in Nigeria. In a letter dated October 31, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Madakiya, Kaduna State, Katung said his decision followed consultations with stakeholders, supporters, and well-meaning Nigerians. He simultaneously announced his intention to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision, though deeply considered, was not made lightly,” Katung stated. “Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to the ideals of democracy, good governance, and service to the people, which the PDP has long championed. However, evolving political realities within our nation and my constituency have necessitated a re-evaluation of the platform best suited to advance the aspirations and welfare of my people.”
He explained that his move to the APC is guided by a desire to serve his constituents and the nation more effectively, while contributing meaningfully to the collective progress of Nigeria’s democracy. Katung expressed gratitude for the friendships, collaborations, and opportunities he experienced while in the PDP, describing his time in the party as invaluable.
Meanwhile, the PDP is also grappling with a judicial intervention in its internal affairs. When the gavel fell at the Federal High Court in Abuja, it ordered that the party’s planned national convention — scheduled for 15–16 November in Ibadan — be suspended until the party fulfills certain statutory requirements under the constitution and electoral laws. The court further restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any outcome of the convention unless due process is followed.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the PDP described the ruling as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.” The party insisted that the judgment does not invalidate its preparations for the convention and confirmed that it has filed an immediate appeal, reaffirming its commitment to multi-party democracy and the rule of law.
“However,” the statement declared, “the judgment of the court does not vitiate our ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.” PDP members, chapters, and organs nationwide were urged to “remain steadfast and focused” on the convention preparations.
Analysts say the twin events — a senior lawmaker’s defection and judicial interference in party processes — signal deeper tensions within the PDP and highlight broader questions about party autonomy, internal democracy, and electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections. For the PDP, the challenge is now two-fold: legal and organisational.
Despite these setbacks, the party remains defiant. “We will proceed,” the statement almost dared, as its delegates and chapters brace for a convention whose legitimacy — in law, party structure, and public perception — is now under the spotlight. Meanwhile, Katung’s defection to the APC underscores a broader trend of opposition lawmakers crossing over to the ruling party, as it continues consolidating its political base ahead of future elections.
