PDP moves to rebuild South-South structures, vows to flush out disloyal members after defections
By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to restructure its political leadership across the South-South region in a bid to purge disloyal elements and prevent further defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A member of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the move is part of broader efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the source, the party is deeply unsettled by the recent wave of defections and is prepared to take decisive action.
“This will not be business as usual. When the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, left, the NWC met and resolved to challenge their defection in court. That process is ongoing. As for Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who defected on Saturday, the party will act after the Sallah break,” the source said.
The source noted that the defections have damaged the party’s internal structure, especially in states where the defecting leaders had installed loyalists in key zonal and state positions.
“These defections damage the party’s internal structure because most of these leaders have their loyalists occupying key positions at state and zonal levels. The party must now clean the house. We will overhaul the South-South leadership to ensure only committed members remain in charge. No more space for political opportunists who will jump ship at the slightest discomfort,” the official added.
The PDP has faced growing internal instability since the 2023 elections, and with no clear resolution in sight, it continues to lose high-profile members to the APC.
On April 23, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent party leaders announced their defection.
After months of backchannel talks with APC officials, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and several of his allies also formally defected last weekend.
These exits have not only dented the PDP’s public image but also weakened its electoral base ahead of 2027.
Reacting to Governor Eno’s defection, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticised the trend of defections by influential figures.
“No political party, whether big or small, will be happy to lose assets, especially prized assets like a sitting governor from a critical state such as Akwa Ibom. So yes, the PDP received the news with mixed feelings,” Osadolor said.
He accused defecting leaders of lacking integrity and putting personal ambition ahead of public interest.
Osadolor also took a swipe at Governor Eno, a cleric, suggesting that he had abandoned the values of compassion and service expected of someone with his background.
He said:“Given his background, many had hoped his worldview on governance would be shaped by compassion, service, and truth. But it appears the welfare of Nigerians is not his concern. His focus, clearly, is securing a second term.”
Despite the setbacks, Osadolor said the PDP remains committed to rebuilding.
He added: “In an interview earlier this year, I said those looking for transport fare to leave should hurry up. And if they need help, they can come to Wadata Plaza—we’ll be glad to escort them out. Let them go quickly so the party can heal and rebuild.”
“It’s better they leave now than linger as saboteurs. Those of us who truly believe in this party are ready to reposition it. All hope is not lost.”
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