PDP Claims 4.26 Million Members Nationwide Despite Defections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced that 4,264,675 Nigerians registered as members across all 36 states and the FCT as of March 31. The data, released by national publicity secretary Ini Ememobong, shows a near-even split: 50.6% (2.16 million) from the North and 49.4% (2.11 million) from the South.
Kaduna State leads with 408,915 members, followed by Edo (378,033), Oyo (368,204), Ogun (316,311), and Kano (275,786). Demographics reveal male registrants at 54.8% (2.34 million) and females at 45.2% (1.93 million). Youth (18-40 years) dominate at 40.3% (1.72 million).
Ememobong stated the figures prove grassroots loyalty despite politician defections, saying, "If they wanted to join the ruling party, they would have easily registered... with numerous enticements." The three-week digital registration averaged 24 members per polling unit. The National Working Committee extended registration to April 30 via the free platform iampdp.org.
These numbers suggest PDP maintains significant organizational presence, but with South-east enrollment notably lower at 234,327. The claim of "electorate loyalty" contrasts with recent high-profile defections to APC.
What do these membership numbers mean for Nigeria's opposition strength heading into future elections—valid grassroots resurgence or inflated party statistics?