Shockwave In PDP: Five Governors Secretly Plot Move To APC As NEC Meeting Stalls

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with a mounting internal crisis, as tensions rise among its governors and top stakeholders, threatening the party’s stability just two years after its defeat in the 2023 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to sources who spoke with Nigerian Tribune, all 12 PDP governors have distanced themselves from the party’s national leadership, casting doubt on the feasibility of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May. This deepening internal rift has raised fears that the party may be ill-equipped to contend in the 2027 general elections.

Insiders also reveal that at least five PDP governors are actively exploring alliances with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or a new political coalition anticipated ahead of the next election cycle. This shift is linked to ongoing conflicts within the party, particularly the perceived dominance of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his allies within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The party’s leadership remains fractured, with several NWC members opposing Acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum, citing his alleged alignment with Wike. This division has paralyzed the PDP’s ability to respond to national issues, leaving it ineffective as an opposition force.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State recently added to the tension by backing Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s substantive National Secretary—rejecting Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s continued claim to the position. Although Makinde previously allied with Wike as part of the G5 group that opposed the PDP’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, his current relationship with Wike remains unclear.

Further cracks have emerged between Wike and other PDP governors, including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, yet these tensions haven’t translated into active support for the current national leadership. Governors have largely shunned the party’s national secretariat in Abuja in recent months, bringing the PDP’s operations to a near-standstill.

Externally, the party is struggling to project strength. Its inability to attract strong aspirants for the forthcoming Anambra governorship election underscores its waning influence. Despite extending the nomination deadline, no credible candidate has stepped forward.

Financially, the PDP is also in trouble. With state governors no longer providing funds, the party now relies on a handful of private donors. A senior official admitted, “The governors have stopped funding us, yet we’re trying to manage. This party can survive, but it needs the governors to show greater commitment.”

The inability to address internal dissent has worsened the crisis. Despite Wike’s controversial actions, no disciplinary measures have been taken against him. “Wike has defied the party in every way, yet nothing has been done,” a senior NWC member said. “Ask Damagum or Anyanwu why.”

Recent moves by the FCT administration—including the revocation of the PDP’s Certificate of Occupancy for its national secretariat—are viewed as politically motivated and linked to Wike’s ongoing feud with Atiku Abubakar and Aminu Tambuwal over the outcome of the 2023 presidential primary.

An NWC official described the situation as “personal,” alleging that Wike is bent on undermining both Atiku and Tambuwal from within the party to block Atiku’s path to securing the 2027 presidential ticket.

When questioned about the governors’ alleged refusal to fund the party, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, dismissed the reports as “falsehoods.” Meanwhile, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declined to comment.