…Set to expel disloyal members occupying key state positions
…. declares end of ‘business as usual’ politics within party ranks
…. Umo Eno’s defection a betrayal of mandate, Says PDP Youth Leader
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is initiating an internal overhaul in response to the unexpected defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move the party has described as a betrayal of trust and values.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that Governor Eno’s defection, which occurred on Friday, June 6, during a ceremony at the Akwa Ibom Government House in Uyo, triggered a wave of internal action within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), especially as it follows closely on the heels of earlier high-profile departures in the South-South.
A senior member of the PDP’s NWC, who spoke on condition of anonymity said.“This will not be business as usual, the party is clearly displeased and we are moving to clean house. Our leadership in the South-South will be completely overhauled.”
The PDP leadership is reportedly finalising a region-wide leadership shakeup, beginning with the South-South, to purge party structures of what it terms “disloyal and opportunistic elements.”
According to insiders, many defecting leaders left behind loyalists who still occupy sensitive state and zonal positions within the party.
The NWC official said:“These defections damage our internal structure. Those who defect often leave their proxies in power, undermining cohesion. We will no longer tolerate that. We are repositioning for 2027, and only committed members will remain in control.”
Governor Umo Eno’s exit, which followed months of speculation and backdoor negotiations, is seen as a serious blow to the PDP’s dominance in the South-South a region long considered its electoral stronghold.
At the defection ceremony, Governor Eno cited a need for “progressive alignment,” declaring: “After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC.”
The event was attended by four APC governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo) along with Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The PDP is currently in court challenging the earlier defection of Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, with legal proceedings ongoing.
Party insiders say a similar response to Eno’s move is in the pipeline but will commence after the Sallah holiday.
“The party has activated its legal and political machinery. Defectors will be challenged, both publicly and in court,” said the source.
With Akwa Ibom now under APC control, only Bayelsa and Rivers states remain governed by the PDP in the South-South, raising questions about the party’s viability in a zone once considered unshakable.
Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor said, “The defections expose cracks in our internal framework. But this is also a blessing in disguise. Let the saboteurs leave, so true patriots can rebuild.”
Osadolor did not mince words in his reaction to Eno’s defection, particularly criticising his moral and political integrity: “It is sad that men we once looked up to as beacons of integrity have turned out to be nothing but overhyped figures big men in oversized garments who cannot meet the basic standards of leadership.”
He added that loyal party members are not deterred and remain focused on rebuilding for the future.According to him, “Those planning to leave should do so quickly. If they need help, we’ll escort them out. We are repositioning this party, and we’re not looking back.”