Amid a wave of defections and internal strife, governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are meeting today (Sunday) in Abuja with key party stakeholders, including former governors and senior leaders, to chart a path forward.
According to insider sources, the emergency gathering will also include members of the party’s Board of Trustees and former presiding officers of the National Assembly. Discussions will focus on pressing issues such as the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and preparations for the party’s National Elective Convention.
An insider told Sunday PUNCH that tensions are expected to run high as the meeting aims to unify party leadership ahead of critical political decisions.
The PDP has been grappling with internal conflicts since the 2023 general elections. The rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike, unresolved leadership disputes in the South-South, and the prolonged vacancy in the National Secretary position since December 2024 have deepened divisions within the party.
Despite multiple intervention attempts by the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, NEC, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, the party’s internal disputes have only worsened. These unresolved issues have led to discontent, with a number of high-profile members defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
One major blow came on April 23, when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other party members defected to the APC. Several lawmakers have also left the PDP, including three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, whom the PDP has accused of attempting to create a one-party state.
These defections have further damaged the PDP’s image and weakened its position ahead of the 2027 elections. The urgency of the situation prompted today’s expanded meeting.
A source close to the party’s leadership confirmed that the meeting, scheduled for Sunday evening in Abuja, is intended to address the ongoing crisis, defection of key figures, and upcoming political milestones.
“This is more than just a meeting of governors. It includes ex-governors, former National Assembly leaders, and other key stakeholders. They’ll be discussing the recent defections, the NEC meeting, the national convention, and how to rebuild party unity,” the source explained.
Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, confirmed the meeting, saying it is aimed at securing the support of former governors for implementing decisions made at the last PDP Governors’ meeting in Ibadan.
“The governors want to involve senior party figures in shaping the way forward, particularly ahead of the national convention in August. It’s important that all elders feel ownership of the process,” Agbo said.
Also speaking to Sunday PUNCH, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba expressed confidence that the meeting would strengthen the party.
“These internal processes are part of our democratic framework. We believe the PDP will emerge stronger. Nigerians can look forward to a revitalized opposition ready to challenge the APC in 2027,” he stated.
Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum also reacted to the defections, saying that those leaving the party were merely revealing their true character.
“People who switch parties so easily show they lack integrity. They were elected on the PDP platform, yet they defect shamelessly. As for Aliero and others, history shows they’re serial defectors. What made them leave the PDP will eventually make them leave the APC too,” Damagum said.
He urged loyal party members to stay focused and united, emphasizing that the 2027 elections would be a defining moment for Nigeria, presenting a choice between “slavery and freedom.” Damagum also called on PDP leaders to avoid divisive statements and work together for the party’s revival.
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