Purge Begins: PDP Declares War On Disloyalty, Launches Major Shake-Up

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced a major overhaul of its leadership structures in the South-South zone, both at the state and regional levels, in an effort to curb the wave of defections threatening the party and to restore internal unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A member of the National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke to Sunday Punch under anonymity, revealed that the party is taking decisive steps to “clean house” following the recent exit of several high-profile figures.

“This will no longer be business as usual,” the source said. “After the defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the NWC resolved to challenge their actions in court. That legal process is already underway. As for Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, the party will take appropriate steps after the Sallah break.”

The source explained that the exodus of these figures has severely weakened the party’s internal structure, particularly because many loyalists of the defectors still hold key positions at state and zonal levels.

“These defections leave behind power vacuums filled by their loyalists who still wield influence. We’re now restructuring the South-South leadership. Only those who are truly loyal to the PDP will remain. We no longer have room for political opportunists who defect at the first sign of discomfort,” the source added.

Since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, the PDP has struggled with internal strife and has lost several notable members—many of whom have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

On April 23, Governor Oborevwori, his predecessor Okowa, and several party leaders officially left the PDP. Just last weekend, following months of quiet negotiations, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and several aides also joined the APC.

Reacting to the wave of defections, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticized the defectors for abandoning the ideals of public service.

“No political party, regardless of its size, is happy to lose key assets—especially a sitting governor from a vital state like Akwa Ibom. But Nigeria needs genuine patriots committed to national development, not career politicians driven by selfish motives,” he said.

Osadolor particularly singled out Governor Umo Eno, a pastor, for allegedly prioritizing personal ambition over public interest.

“Given his clerical background, many expected a leadership grounded in compassion, integrity, and service. Unfortunately, his actions seem driven by a desire for a second term rather than the welfare of his constituents,” Osadolor added.

Despite describing the defections as regrettable, Osadolor argued they present an opportunity for the PDP to rebuild with committed members.

“Earlier this year, I said those looking for ‘transport fare’ to leave should go ahead. Let them go now so we can begin to heal and reposition ourselves. It’s better to part ways than keep saboteurs within,” he said.

He concluded with optimism, stating that the PDP can still regain strength before 2027 once it rids itself of political baggage and rallies its core loyalists.

“Those of us who still believe in this party are committed to its rebirth. All hope is far from lost,” he affirmed.

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