In a bid to confront the escalating defections and internal turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s governors have called an emergency meeting today in Abuja.
The gathering, which expands beyond governors to include former governors, members of the Board of Trustees, and former National Assembly presiding officers, aims to address the party’s deepening crisis ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the National Elective Convention.
An insider revealed that the meeting is expected to be tense, focusing on strategies to halt the exodus of key members and restore unity. Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has grappled with internal conflicts, notably the feud between Governor Sim Fubara and Nyesom Wike in Rivers State, disputes over South-South zonal leadership, and the unresolved National Secretary position since December 2024.
Efforts by the party’s leadership organs, including the National Working Committee and the PDP Governors’ Forum, have so far intensified divisions, causing splits in state and zonal chapters. The crisis has led to high-profile defections, such as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 23, along with three Kebbi State senators following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Emmanuel Agbo, Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, confirmed the meeting’s purpose: “The governors want to meet with the ex-governors that are still in the party to deliberate on party issues. The meeting is to get their support for the implementation of all decisions taken during the last PDP Governors’ meeting in Ibadan. All elders of the party should own the process.”
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba expressed optimism, stating, “The Nigerian people will once again be proud to associate with the PDP. We have a proven track record, and we are confident that all these meetings and processes are geared towards building a formidable PDP capable of unseating Tinubu in 2027.”
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum criticized defectors, saying, “Those who are defecting have no conscience… what pursued them out of the PDP will again take them out of the APC.” He urged party members to remain committed, emphasizing that the 2027 elections represent a choice between “slavery and freedom.”
The NEC meeting is scheduled for May 27, and party leaders hope it will be a turning point to resolve outstanding issues and strengthen the party ahead of the national convention in August.
