The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled an emergency meeting for Tuesday amid a wave of defections hitting the party, The DIP CONNECTS ONLINE reports. The mass exodus, dubbed “Hurricane Tinubu,” has deeply unsettled the PDP, already grappling with internal crises since before the 2023 elections.
The defections climaxed last week when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor and former PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, the Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, commissioners, council chairmen, and the entire PDP structure in Delta State defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Delta had been a major stronghold for the PDP since 1999.
The PDP’s woes have been worsened by recent high-profile losses in the federal parliament, including five-term Osun lawmaker Oluwole Oke. Party insiders warn that continued defections could weaken the PDP’s chances against the APC in the 2027 general elections.
A top party source confirmed that the NWC meeting would focus on stemming defections and stabilizing the party. Senator Samuel Anyanwu, recently reinstated as National Secretary by the Supreme Court, has vowed to attend, despite tensions with the Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, under pressure over his handling of party affairs, will preside over a meeting addressing key issues, including upcoming congresses, the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the National Elective Convention, and recommendations from the Governors Forum.
Setonji Koshoedo, the acting Secretary appointed by the governors, confirmed the meeting would hold at 12 noon on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.
Internal Crises and Disarray
The PDP’s internal crises have weakened state and zonal structures, especially in the South-South. Fights over the National Secretary post have split the NWC, while most Board of Trustees members have overstayed their terms without replacements, creating factional camps.
Over 300 members defected to the APC between February 2024 and February 2025, according to an earlier report, while the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have suffered similar losses to the APC.
Party Leaders Speak Out
In interviews, PDP leaders acknowledged the difficulties ahead. An NWC member said defections often stem from personal ambitions or fear of anti-graft agencies. He warned it was hard to stop determined defectors but pledged the party would keep fighting.
Anyanwu called for unity, urging PDP members not to be discouraged and emphasizing that "defection or no defection, the rest of us must work to reposition the party."
Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi also stressed the need for genuine reconciliation and broader consultations, urging leaders to act rather than issue empty statements.
Osadolor called for constitutional amendments to prevent elected officials from defecting, while Odeyemi said the party’s leadership must urgently tackle its internal problems to restore confidence.
APC Rolls Out Red Carpet
Meanwhile, the APC has finalized plans to officially welcome Oborevwori, Okowa, and other defectors at an event in Asaba on Monday. APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Hope Uzodinma, ministers, and other party officials are expected to attend.
APC Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim said the move is a major boost for the ruling party, while Deputy National Chairman (South) Emma Eneukwu praised Oborevwori’s achievements and leadership, saying his defection strengthens the party’s position in Delta and nationally.
In a letter, Eneukwu also welcomed Okowa and hailed Oborevwori's infrastructural accomplishments, calling the move "a massive political asset" for the APC.
Presidency Defends APC Gains
The Presidency denied accusations of coercing defectors or promoting a one-party state. In a statement titled "Democracy Strong and Alive in Nigeria", Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga insisted defections were voluntary, spurred by confidence in President Tinubu’s reforms.
Onanuga criticized opposition parties for blaming Tinubu for their disarray, saying democracy was thriving, and freedoms of association and expression remained intact.
He accused the opposition of hypocrisy, arguing that they celebrated defections against Tinubu but condemned defections to his party. He reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to multiparty democracy.
Akwa Ibom Drama
In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno’s alleged plan to defect to the APC has hit a snag. His predecessor and political mentor, Udom Emmanuel, remains loyal to the PDP, causing divisions within the state chapter.
Sources say without Emmanuel’s support, Eno’s defection plan faces obstacles, as most of the political structure remains aligned with Emmanuel. While Eno reportedly commands support among a few lawmakers, Emmanuel holds the critical mass needed for a successful switch.
