The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned an emergency meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC) for Tuesday, following a wave of high-profile defections that have rocked the party. Among the major losses are former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the entire PDP structure in Delta State, historically one of the party’s key strongholds. With more lawmakers, including five-term House of Representatives member Oluwole Oke, defecting, the PDP faces a deepening crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Internal divisions have plagued the party since the 2023 elections, and leadership disputes continue to weaken its structure. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has been under pressure, and tensions have intensified over the National Secretary position. Although Setonji Koshoedo was appointed acting secretary by the PDP Governors Forum, the Supreme Court reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu to the role in March, further splitting the leadership. Both Koshoedo and Anyanwu have confirmed their attendance at Tuesday’s crucial meeting at Wadata Plaza in Abuja.
A senior party official, speaking anonymously, admitted that there’s little the PDP can do to prevent defections, blaming personal ambition and pressure from anti-corruption investigations as major factors. “Even after the party’s support, many leaders have chosen to leave,” the official lamented, adding that the NWC would use the meeting to discuss defections, upcoming congresses, the National Executive Committee meeting, and preparations for the National Elective Convention.
Despite the internal turmoil, party leaders insist they are committed to salvaging the PDP’s future. Senator Anyanwu stated his resolve to work for peace within the party, while the NWC plans to review recommendations from the Governors Forum and adopt strategies to stabilize and reposition the PDP ahead of future elections. The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting is expected to shape the party’s path forward during this turbulent period.
