Defection: PDP governors hold emergency meeting

Governors on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set to gather in Abuja on Sunday for an urgent meeting as the party faces a new wave of significant defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on X, the meeting is likely to take place at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, unless there are any last-minute alterations to the plan.

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“The enlarged session of the Meeting will draw participation from an assemblage of both Incumbent and Past Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who are still captured under the Party’s MembershipNominal Roll,” the party stated.

The turmoil within the main opposition party escalated on April 23 when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire PDP structure in Delta, made the decision to join the APC.

This development followed a strategic meeting held by PDP governors in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they distanced themselves from any coalition initiatives associated with former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

The trend of defections has continued, with reports indicating that all three PDP senators from Kebbi State are in the process of switching to the APC.

Party officials believe that the emergency meeting on Sunday will aim to establish a unified strategy, preserve the party’s remaining unity, and address increasing worries regarding the future leadership of the PDP.

Additionally, the gathering may discuss the forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, which is anticipated to play a crucial role in reshaping the party’s future direction.

Analysts suggest that the results of Sunday’s meeting could be pivotal in determining whether the PDP can recover or continue its decline toward political insignificance as the 2027 elections approach.