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In a broader discussion on how to tackle the recent surge of defections and the turmoil within the People’s Democratic Party, governors elected on the party's platform have called a meeting today (Sunday) in Abuja, inviting former governors and other key stakeholders.
According to an insider, the meeting will also include members of the Board of Trustees and former National Assembly leaders. It was revealed that the PDP leaders would discuss significant matters, such as the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting and the National Elective Convention, during this expanded meeting.
The insider exclusively said that the atmosphere is expected to be charged, as preparations are made for the forthcoming NEC and other urgent issues.
Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has faced ongoing internal issues. The situation has intensified due to conflicts between Governor Sim Fubara and Nyesom Wike in Rivers State, alongside disputes regarding the South-South zonal leadership and the unresolved National Secretary position since December 2024. Attempts to mediate by the party’s leadership, including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, have only exacerbated divisions.
These efforts have led to further rifts within various state and zonal chapters of the party. As the crisis continues, many party leaders have become disillusioned and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, attributing their departures to the PDP’s ongoing internal challenges.
Notably, on April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other state officials transitioned to the APC. Additionally, members of the National Assembly have also switched parties, with three Kebbi lawmakers, Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki joining the ruling party after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who has faced opposition accusations of striving to establish a one-party state.
The exit of these PDP leaders significantly impacts the party's image and undermines its potential success in the 2027 elections. Although the PDP governors have been convening to resolve party issues, the current meeting has been expanded due to the importance of the topics on the agenda.
The source confirmed that the meeting, scheduled for tonight, will address the party’s internal strife and the defection of key members, among other critical matters.
He stated, “Yes, the meeting will take place on Sunday. This isn’t just a gathering of governors and stakeholders; other vital stakeholders, including former governors and presiding officers of the National Assembly, will also attend. It’s set to occur in Abuja, where discussions will cover various crucial issues, including defections, the upcoming NEC meeting, the national convention, and numerous pressing matters concerning the party’s unity and direction.
“The meeting will lay the groundwork for future engagements and strategy sessions. It promises to be a significant and revealing event for the party’s leadership and its direction.”
The Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, confirmed the meeting’s purpose as focusing on key party issues.
Agbo explained that the meeting aims to garner support for implementing decisions made at their previous gathering in Ibadan.
He stated, “The meeting is going to take place in Abuja tomorrow (Sunday). The attendees include former governors and others. The governors aim to meet with the ex-governors who remain in the party to discuss party matters.
“The meeting seeks to ensure their support for the decisions made during the last PDP Governors’ meeting in Ibadan. They want to obtain their backing as everyone prepares for the National Convention in August. All elders of the party should endorse the process.”
Furthermore, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed that with today's meeting, Nigerians can anticipate a stronger and more effective opposition party.
He remarked that these meetings are part of the established internal processes for resolving disputes within the party.
He stated, “What the party leaders are doing, in accordance with the PDP structures and constitution, assures us that the party will emerge stronger and better from these discussions.
“The Nigerian populace will once again take pride in associating with the PDP. We have a proven track record, and we firmly believe these meetings and processes are aimed at constructing a formidable PDP capable of unseating Tinubu in 2027.
We urge all PDP members across the nation not to be disheartened by the actions of the APC-led Federal Government. Despite the challenges, our members must stay focused, determined, and committed to the party.”
In the meantime, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, remarked that notable leaders who recently left the party have demonstrated their true character.
Damagum addressed the recent defections of Senators Aliero, Abdullahi, and Maidoki, stating that they would likely abandon the APC soon as well.
He said, “Those who are defecting lack conscience. They have quickly forgotten the power of God to bring about change. Does it make sense? You were elected under one political party’s platform and shamelessly defect to another party with that mandate. This reflects their character.
“As for Aliero and his associates, my prediction is that whatever drove them away from the PDP will also drive them out of the APC. We understand these individuals and their track record of defections in their political careers.”
He urged party loyalists to stay faithful to the party's ideals, asserting that the 2027 election will present Nigerians with the choice between oppression and freedom. The PDP leader further advised party figures making unguarded comments about the party's fate to unify efforts for the challenges ahead.
