In a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has formally announced his departure from the opposition party.
The seasoned politician confirmed his move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), levelling serious accusations of neglect against the PDP leadership during his most challenging period.
Gratitude and Grievance: The Reasons Behind the Switch
Metuh made the declaration public on Sunday, November 29, during a thanksgiving service in Abuja marking his 60th birthday. He revealed that although he had stepped back from active politics three years prior, the solidarity shown by the APC compelled his return.
He narrated a story of personal crisis where his own party, the PDP, was conspicuously absent. "When I had problems, I did not see my party; I did not see the people I suffered for," Metuh told journalists after the event. "I was in court with my family."
In stark contrast, he highlighted the role of President Bola Tinubu, who was the opposition leader at the time. Metuh disclosed that Tinubu reached out to him despite their past political enmity. He recounted how the then-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited him on the President's behalf to offer comfort and support.
"This was someone who was my political enemy," Metuh stated, emphasising the depth of his gratitude.
A New Mission with the Ruling Party
Metuh framed his defection not just as an act of repayment but as a patriotic duty. He expressed a desire to contribute to national development under the current administration.
"I am trying to make sure that I assist the government at the centre, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to deliver the goods," he explained. "I have seen the steps, I have seen the challenges, and as a patriotic Nigerian, I want to join hands in resolving those challenges."
While bidding his former party well, he firmly closed that chapter: "I wish PDP well. I gave my life to PDP. But I have moved on, and I wish them well."
Dismissing Fears of a One-Party State
Addressing concerns that such high-profile defections could weaken Nigeria's multi-party democracy, Metuh insisted the nation is not drifting toward a one-party system. He pointed to the presence of other credible political figures across the spectrum.
"There are a lot of credible citizens, Atiku Abubakar is very credible, Peter Obi is very credible, David Mark is very credible. There are a lot of people," he argued.
He stressed the continued need for a vibrant opposition, stating that democracy thrives on diverse views and robust debate.
In a final revelation, Metuh shared that President Tinubu had extended several invitations for him to join the APC in the past, which he had declined. "The president wanted to work with me," he said, indicating that his decision was long-considered. "Now that I’m in politics, I want to help. Maybe I could be a good voice on this side, to ensure that the polity is good."
This move occurs against the backdrop of internal turmoil within the PDP, which recently expelled prominent figures like Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose. Metuh's exit represents another blow to the opposition as the political landscape begins to reshape for the 2027 electoral contest.
