In response to the ongoing defections impacting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee has called a meeting for Tuesday to discuss the recent waves of defections and the various internal challenges the party has experienced in recent years.
The turmoil had been anticipated, especially following the notable defections of former PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the entire party apparatus in Delta, a key PDP stronghold.
Delta’s Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme and other significant political figures, including state commissioners and local leaders, recently shifted to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a closed meeting in Asaba last week, following what has been dubbed ‘Hurricane Tinubu.’ This movement has amplified the opposition’s concerns over a potential shift towards a one-party state in the country.
The PDP is encountering some of its most challenging times since it was established in 1998, having suffered numerous losses in federal parliamentary representation, the latest being Oluwole Oke from Osun State who had served five terms in the House of Representatives. Continued defections could significantly weaken the party’s ability to compete against the ruling APC as the 2027 general election approaches.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who was reaffirmed as National Secretary by the Supreme Court, plans to participate in the meeting despite objections from certain state governors within the PDP.
A knowledgeable source confirmed that the National Working Committee meeting aims to address member defections to the APC and devise strategies to mitigate further losses.
The party has been grappling with ongoing internal conflicts both before and after the 2023 elections, creating instability and rifts within its ranks. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has faced harsh criticism since taking over from Iyorchia Ayu.
The crisis has impeded the functioning of the party at various levels, with many state chapters in disarray and regional structures, especially in the South-South, significantly weakened.
Disputes over the National Secretary position have further divided the National Working Committee, leading to reduced effectiveness. Furthermore, many Board of Trustees members have stayed on without replacements, dividing into opposing factions.
A previous report indicated that over 300 PDP members defected to the APC between February 2024 and February 2025, largely due to internal disputes.
Similarly, both the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Labour Party have seen significant defections to the APC driven by their own internal issues. On April 23rd, Delta State’s Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with Okowa and their party members, officially joined the APC.
Setonji Koshoedo, the acting Secretary appointed by PDP governors, confirmed that the National Working Committee meeting would take place in Abuja on Tuesday.
Following the Supreme Court’s March 21 ruling that reaffirmed Anyanwu’s position, which stated, internal party disputes should not involve judicial intervention, the PDP governors on April 14 prompted the South East Zone to recommend a nominee for National Secretary and announced Koshoedo’s role.
The meeting, set for 12 noon, was announced in an invitation stating that it was called due to widespread demand and consultation among party members.
In an exclusive commentary, an NWC member noted worries about the current state of the PDP, acknowledging the difficulty of halting member defections, often driven by personal motives or issues with anti-corruption agencies. They stressed that many leaving do so despite the party’s past support.
The scheduled meeting will cover a wide range of important issues, including ongoing defections, future congresses, and strategies intended to strengthen and reposition the PDP ahead of the next elections.
Anyanwu also recognized the meeting and committed to attending as the National Secretary, urging party members to remain dedicated and united.
He emphasized the need to prioritize peace within the PDP, calling on members to set aside personal interests for the greater good.
PDP NEC members have insisted that party leaders must align their actions with their rhetoric and have highlighted that comprehensive consultations will aid in restoring confidence among party members nationwide.
Osadolor emphasized that party leaders need to address criticisms constructively and work collaboratively to advance the party’s interests, while Odeyemi highlighted the detrimental effects of internal divisions on the party’s stability.
In related news, the APC is preparing to welcome Governor Oborevwori, Okowa, and other recent defectors in a ceremony led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
The Presidency responded to allegations of coercion regarding the defections, asserting that individuals are joining the APC voluntarily, motivated by the belief in the government’s reforms. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, defended the strength of democracy in Nigeria, rejecting claims of an imposed one-party state.
The Presidency dismissed accusations that the administration is undermining democratic structures and emphasized the importance of individual political freedoms.
Additionally, reports surfaced about potential defection plans by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno to the APC, but complications arose due to his predecessor’s loyalty to the PDP, creating uncertainty regarding Eno’s potential move.
Osadolor expressed pride in the former Akwa Ibom governor’s steadfastness and remarked on the need for state leaders to take ownership of their party structures.
