The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to restructure its South-South leadership to remove disloyal members and halt further defections, aiming to strengthen for the 2027 general elections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is poised for a significant overhaul of its South-South zonal and state structures.
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This sweeping move aims to flush out disloyal members and forestall further defections, as the party strategically repositions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party is “clearly displeased” with the departures and is prepared to take firm action.
“This will not be business as usual,” the source stated. “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.”
These high-profile defections, according to the source, significantly damage the party’s internal structure.
“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 PDP has faced considerable internal turbulence since the 2023 general elections, leading to a consistent loss of prominent members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
On April 23, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, along with his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key figures, left the party.
More recently, Governor Eno and several officials formally defected last weekend after months of behind-the-scenes discussions with APC leaders. This wave of departures has undoubtedly impacted the PDP’s image and weakened its electoral base in anticipation of the 2027 polls.
Reacting to Governor Eno’s defection, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged any remaining disloyal members considering leaving to do so swiftly, allowing loyalists to focus on rebuilding the party.
“No political party, whether big or small, will be happy to lose assets, especially priced assets like a sitting governor from a critical state such as Akwa Ibom. So yes, the PDP received the news with mixed feelings,” Osadolor conceded.
“But at this stage in our national life, what Nigeria needs are sincere patriots committed to nation-building, not political merchants chasing personal gains.
It is sad that the men we once looked up to as beacons of integrity have turned out to be nothing but overhyped figures, big men in oversized shoes and garments who cannot meet the basic standards of integrity.”
Osadolor criticised Eno, a cleric, for what he perceived as prioritising political survival over public welfare.
“The truth is, 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,” he added.
Despite the setbacks, the PDP deputy national youth leader expressed optimism that the defections would ultimately make it easier for Nigerians to reject the APC in 2027.
“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.”