PDP Faces Defections, Factional Crisis As 2027 Approaches

By: GELE AGBAI

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s longest lasting political organization, is currently facing significant challenges as the 2027 elections approach. These challenges include the defection of several governors elected under its banner and a growing factional crisis within the party.

As of the most recent count, five governors who were elected on the PDP platform have defected to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Other esteemed members have earlier switched camp to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party (AP).

The governors who have switched allegiance to the APC from the PDP are Eno Umo from Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah from Enugu, Douye Diri from Bayelsa, Caleb Mufwang from Plateau, and Siminalayi Fubara from Rivers State.

Notable members like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator David Mark, Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Aminu Tambuwal have cross-carpeted to ADC. Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke left the PDP for Accord Party.

In addition to these defections, the PDP is grappling with internal polarization. Prior to its latest national convention held in Oyo State, there were conflicting court orders. A court in Abuja initially prohibited the convention from taking place, but subsequently, a court in Oyo State authorized the party to proceed with the convention.

Maryam Inna Ciroma, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, commented on the matter during an appearance on Arise TV on Tuesday, January 13.

She stated that the party proceeded with its national convention based on the second court order, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was duly informed of the convention.

Nevertheless, it appears that INEC is hesitant to recognize Taminu Turaki’s emergence as the National Chairman of the party. This reluctance stems from the conflicting court orders, with the electoral body insisting on the resolution of these legal issues before acknowledging any party executive.

Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo, a former Governor of Enugu State believes the defectors to the APC have no justification for their action. During his appearance on Arise TV on Monday, Chief Nwodo alleged that the defectors have ulterior motive for identifying with the APC which has foisted hardship on the country through its ill-digested policies.

It is evident that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has encountered significant challenges since assuming power in 2015. Its policies and programs have seemingly contributed to the worsening of hardship, terrorism, and insecurity within the nation. The prevalence of killings and kidnappings has become a daily occurrence.

The economic strategy of removing the fuel subsidy and allowing the Naira to float has exacerbated the hardships faced by the populace. The APC government’s unrestrained borrowing further compounds the situation. Amidst these difficulties, the party has introduced a new taxation system targeting all Nigerians earning up to N800,000 annually, which is the minimum salary for workers earning N70,000 per month.

The APC is also accused of being a contributing factor to the ongoing crisis within the main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). However, Ayo Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State, who professes continued membership in the PDP while supporting APC’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu, disagrees with the notion that the governing party is responsible for the PDP’s troubles. He contends that the PDP is responsible for its own issues, likening it to a garment torn into two parts. This raises questions about his continued claim of membership in the party while openly supporting the APC administration.

Similarly, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), maintains his membership in the PDP despite his suspension. Over the past two years, he has been actively serving and supporting Tinubu, who belongs to a different party. His conflict with the Governor of Rivers State led to the governor’s departure from the PDP to join the APC, yet the discord persists. Wike, having been expelled from the PDP, insists that he cannot be expelled from the party. Instead, he has established a caretaker committee for the PDP.

The PDP is undeniably facing its most challenging period since its inception in 1998 by the G-34. Ironically, those who have benefited most from the party are now contributing to its fragmentation and potential demise. Wike’s political career, including roles such as Chief of Staff, Minister of State for Education, two-time Governor, and Minister of FCT, has largely been built on the party’s platform.

In efforts to rebuild the party, the Turaki-led national working committee has been engaging with key stakeholders, appealing for support to salvage the party. The Turaki group has held meetings with Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), as well as former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The question remains whether the PDP can overcome the legal challenges it faces and rebuild sufficiently to contest the 2027 elections with vigor and energy. This outcome seems unlikely, given the potential for prolonged legal disputes.

Observers note that there have typically been two dominant parties in each political dispensation. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) appears to be emerging as the second dominant party after the APC. However, the ADC must address its internal issues to establish itself effectively. There is a prevailing argument that the ADC will flourish and surpass the APC only if it nominates former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. Fayose is among those who subscribe to this belief, stating to Reuben Abati of Arise TV that Obi, widely recognized as ‘PO,’ is the lifeblood of the ADC. He argues that the ADC’s demise will be inevitable if it selects anyone other than PO as its presidential candidate in 2027.

From current indications, PO’s participation in the 2027 presidential race will make it a genuine contest, irrespective of the party he represents. It would therefore be prudent for the ADC to heed this advice. For the PDP, however, the outlook appears bleak.