A file image of the President of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu

Amid mounting concerns over recent defections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to hold a high-level strategy meeting between its National Working Committee (NWC) and the PDP Governors’ Forum on May 11, with the aim of curbing the growing wave of defections and addressing internal party disputes. 

A senior NWC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the meeting will address several pressing issues, including the defection of key figures, the controversy surrounding the office of the National Secretary, and strategies to stabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party leadership has also directed its National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, to initiate legal proceedings to challenge the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other elected officials who recently crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

On April 23, Governor Oborevwori, alongside his predecessor and PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, formally announced their defection to the APC, joining other elected PDP members from Delta State.

“The defections are driven by personal interests, not by internal crisis,” the NWC source said. “The party has treated these individuals fairly, so their departure was unexpected. This upcoming meeting with the governors will allow us to deliberate further and plan our next steps.”

The issue of the National Secretary is also on the agenda, with the NWC leaning toward adopting the governors’ recommendation, despite legal challenges. A Supreme Court ruling recently favored Senator Samuel Anyanwu, but internal disagreement over the position has persisted.

At the conclusion of the 600th NWC meeting in Abuja, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum reassured party members and the public that the PDP remains united and resilient.

“Let no one use internal issues as justification for defection,” Damagum declared. “The PDP has survived worse. We are not divided. The party will continue to stand as a formidable force heading into 2027.” 

Damagum announced that the NWC has endorsed all recommendations by the PDP Governors’ Forum and will forward them to the National Executive Committee (NEC), which is scheduled to meet on May 27. These include support for Architect Setonji Koshoedo as acting National Secretary and holding an early National Elective Convention in late August to usher in new leadership.

In preparation, a South-South Caretaker Committee headed by Chief Emmanuel Ogidi has been established to restructure the party in Delta State.

When asked if action would be taken against PDP members openly supporting President Bola Tinubu, Damagum responded affirmatively: “Yes, very well.”