The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to restructure its South-South zonal and state leadership structures in a bold move aimed at flushing out disloyal members and halting the tide of defections threatening the party’s 2027 ambitions.
A member of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke to Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, revealed that the planned overhaul is part of the party’s strategy to reposition itself after recent high-profile defections, including those of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and most recently, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
“This will not be business as usual. When Governor Oborevwori and former governor Okowa left, the NWC met and resolved to challenge their defection in court. That process is ongoing. As for Umo Eno, the party will act after the Sallah break,” the NWC member stated.
He stressed that the defections have compromised internal party structures, as loyalists of the defected leaders still occupy key roles in the South-South region.
“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 battled internal instability since its loss in the 2023 general elections, and the continued defection of top-ranking members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has worsened the party’s image and weakened its grassroots support.
On April 23, Governors Oborevwori and Okowa left the party. After months of reported backchannel negotiations with APC stakeholders, Governor Umo Eno and several aides also defected over the past weekend.
Reacting to the latest development, Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, urged those contemplating defection to leave now so that loyal members can begin the party’s recovery process.
“No political party, whether big or small, will be happy to lose assets, especially a sitting governor from a critical state like Akwa Ibom,” Osadolor said.
“But what Nigeria needs are sincere patriots, not political merchants chasing personal gain. It’s sad that men we once saw as beacons of integrity are now revealed as big men in oversized shoes—figures unable to meet the basic standards of loyalty and integrity.”
He also criticised Governor Eno, a former cleric, for allegedly prioritising personal ambition over public service.
“Given his background, many had hoped his worldview on governance would be shaped by compassion and truth. But it appears his primary concern is securing a second term.”
Despite the setbacks, Osadolor said the defections could mark a turning point for the PDP:
“Let them go now rather than remain as saboteurs. Those of us who believe in this party are ready to reposition it. All hope is not lost.”
The party’s restructuring efforts are expected to begin shortly after the Sallah break, with a particular focus on dislodging defectors’ loyalists from critical roles in the party’s South-South stronghold.
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