Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has alleged that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is now under the control of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming the party has effectively become an extension of the government it was meant to challenge.

Melaye made the explosive claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday night, just a day after he formally resigned from the PDP.

“The PDP has been purchased by the APC. It is no longer an independent political entity but a parastatal of the APC,” he said.

According to the former senator and 2023 Kogi State PDP governorship candidate, critical decisions within the party are now being influenced from outside, particularly from the Presidency.

“In fact, the PDP takes dates for its National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) meetings directly from the Aso Villa,” Melaye alleged.

He also criticized some PDP governors, suggesting they were not acting as genuine opposition leaders. “Look at the PDP governors—are they acting like opposition? And we all know how powerful governors are in the party,” he added.

Melaye’s comments come amid growing concerns within Nigeria’s political space about the weakening of opposition voices and the increasing influence of the ruling party across institutional and partisan lines.

His resignation from the PDP marks yet another high-profile exit and raises questions about the party’s internal cohesion and independence ahead of the 2027 general elections.