Author: NIGPOST Editorial Team
Date: April 28, 2025
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a turbulent period as defections threaten its unity and future ahead of the 2027 elections. With key members, including former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, leaving the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the growing crisis.
PDP Faces Wave of Defections
The once formidable opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is currently grappling with a wave of defections that is shaking its foundations. The latest blow to the PDP comes after high-profile figures, such as former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, officially joined the ruling APC. This mass exodus has left the party scrambling for solutions.
Emergency Meeting Called
In response to the growing defections, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has scheduled an emergency meeting for Tuesday to discuss the issue and formulate strategies to prevent further losses. The party has been struggling with internal strife since the 2023 elections, and these defections, which started with influential figures in Delta State, are merely the tip of the iceberg.
Internal Struggles Deepen
A source familiar with the situation revealed that the NWC is particularly concerned about the direction the party is taking. As defections continue to decimate the PDP’s ranks, especially in states like Delta, the party faces an uphill battle in maintaining relevance. The defection of top leaders has even left the opposition questioning if the country is slowly drifting toward a one-party state.
Leadership under Scrutiny
PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, who was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court after a lengthy legal battle, has pledged to attend the meeting despite opposing views from some PDP governors, particularly those led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. The party’s internal conflicts have been exacerbated by disagreements over leadership positions, with the National Working Committee severely weakened.
A Bleak Future for the PDP?
The PDP has already lost several prominent figures in the federal parliament, including Oluwole Oke, a five-time member of the House of Representatives. As more defections are rumored to be in the pipeline, the party risks losing its competitiveness against the APC with less than two years to go before the 2027 general elections.
Calls for Unity and Reconciliation
Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has been under fire for his leadership, with critics pointing out that the party’s internal strife has become a major distraction. The NWC meeting, therefore, is expected to address both the defections and the internal rifts that have made the party vulnerable.
As the PDP leadership prepares for the upcoming meeting, there are calls for party unity, with members urging the leadership to focus on resolving internal conflicts and ensuring the survival of the party. Some members, such as Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi, have emphasized the need for reconciliation and broader consultations to restore confidence among party members.
As the PDP faces a critical juncture, it remains to be seen whether the party can pull itself together in time for the upcoming elections. Will internal unity be restored, or will the exodus of key members continue? Stay tuned for updates on the party’s future.
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