Panic In PDP: Governors Rush Into Emergency Meeting As Defections Rock Party

As internal divisions and high-profile defections continue to shake the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s governors have convened an expanded emergency meeting in Abuja.

The Sunday gathering includes not only sitting governors but also former governors, ex-leaders of the National Assembly, and members of the Board of Trustees, in a bid to address the mounting crisis ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and August’s National Convention.

According to a reliable source, the meeting aims to foster unity, chart a new course, and restore confidence within the party. “This is a defining moment for the PDP’s leadership and future,” the insider revealed.

Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has struggled with internal strife, notably the feud between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and lingering disputes in the South-South zone. The vacancy in the National Secretary position since December 2024 has also fueled tensions.

Despite multiple interventions from top party bodies—such as the NWC, BoT, NEC, and the Governors’ Forum—reconciliation efforts have failed to stop the cracks widening at both state and zonal levels, leading to a steady wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Notable exits include Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and top officials who joined the APC on April 23. Recently, three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—defected after meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Opposition figures have since accused Tinubu of trying to establish a one-party state.

Emmanuel Agbo, Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, confirmed the purpose of the meeting: “It’s to rally support for implementing the resolutions from the last Ibadan meeting and to build consensus ahead of the national convention.”

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that these consultations reflect the party’s internal democratic processes and are key to restoring its strength. “We believe the PDP will come out stronger, ready to challenge the APC in 2027.”

Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum took a swipe at recent defectors, accusing them of lacking principles. “These individuals were elected on the PDP platform but shamelessly switched parties. History will repeat itself—they’ll face the same issues in APC.”

House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who represents Obio/Akpor in Rivers State, called the defections a blow to Nigeria’s political system. “The lack of party ideology is eroding our democracy. We need constitutional reforms and political reorientation.”

Despite the setbacks, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature struck an upbeat tone: “The defections are temporary. Others will return. Just wait and see.”