PDP Governors convene emergency meeting amid defections, looming leadership crisis

PDP Governors convene emergency meeting amid defections, looming leadership crisis

Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are meeting in Abuja today to deliberate on the deepening internal crisis threatening the unity and future of the party.

The meeting comes on the heels of a wave of defections, including the high-profile switch by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who, along with his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire PDP structure in the state, recently pledged allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This development reduced the PDP’s gubernatorial ranks and added to the growing sense of instability within the party.

Notably, Oborevwori was absent at the PDP Governors’ last meeting in Ibadan three weeks ago, where the forum publicly distanced itself from coalition talks being spearheaded by the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Today’s meeting is taking place at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. It also precedes the much anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27 a gathering that could determine the trajectory of the party’s leadership and strategy going forward.

Party insiders say today’s deliberations will focus on the fallout from recent defections and ongoing internal disputes, including tensions over the party’s National Secretary position.

Governors in the party are backing Deputy National Secretary Architect Setonji Koshoedo to serve in an acting capacity, sidelining Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a known ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Legal uncertainties surrounding Anyanwu’s status continue to complicate preparations for the NEC meeting and may potentially delay the party’s planned national convention.

The party has also been rocked by reports that its three senators from Kebbi State are defecting to the APC, with more exits expected.

The party is now grappling with competing agendas from three dominant blocs: the PDP Governors’ Forum, Atiku Abubakar’s faction, and loyalists of Nyesom Wike.

At the last meeting of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) at the party headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum announced the NWC’s endorsement of resolutions passed by the PDP Governors’ Forum in Ibadan.

These resolutions include a firm rejection of any political merger or coalition—a proposal favored by Atiku’s camp and the temporary appointment of Koshoedo as acting National Secretary.

The NWC also adopted the Governors’ Forum’s proposal for two key committees in preparation for the national convention, tentatively scheduled for August 28–30 in Kano.

A Zoning Committee chaired by Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, with Governors Dauda Lawal and Caleb Mutfwang serving as vice chairman and secretary respectively, will handle zoning matters.

Meanwhile, the National Convention Committee will be led by Governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Chairman), Ademola Adeleke (Vice Chairman), and Peter Mbah (Secretary).

Despite not being formally recognized in the PDP Constitution, the Governors’ Forum continues to wield significant influence, and its alignment with the NWC sets the stage for a major power struggle ahead of the NEC meeting.