PDP accuses defecting governors of greed, vows Nigerians will decide their fate in 2027

Four governors, key leaders exit PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused governors defecting from its fold of greed, selfishness, and covetousness, insisting that Nigerians — not individuals — will ultimately determine their political fate in the 2027 general elections.

This comes after four governors — Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa — defected from the opposition party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Even the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, have formally withdrawn their membership, alongside several prominent allies.

PDP: “Defections driven by greed and avarice”

Speaking on Arise Television, Ibrahim Abdullahi, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, said the wave of defections has no justifiable basis.

“To the best of my knowledge and that of most Nigerians, you cannot find a compelling reason for a governor, especially one on a second term like in Bayelsa, to abandon the party that produced him,” Abdullahi stated. “You can’t find any justifiable reason other than covetousness, greed, and avarice.”

He maintained that the PDP remains strong and stable, noting that the exit of a few individuals would not define the party’s future.

Governors respond: “Our voices were not heard”

The Special Adviser to Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, Dan Nwomeh, told Daily Trust that the PDP’s reaction was expected.

“We can’t remain in a party where our voice doesn’t count. If you leave the PDP, they will find something to say — that’s politics,” Nwomeh said.

PDP eyes convention to “rebuild and reposition”

Abdullahi said the party is focused on its upcoming national convention in Ibadan, which he believes will “change the face of the party” and reposition it ahead of 2027.

He described the departure of some governors as “good riddance to bad rubbish,” adding that it gives the PDP an opportunity to “weed out terrible elements” and rebuild from the ground up.

“It’s not about PDP or APC anymore; it’s APC versus Nigerians. Let them do whatever they can — we’ve seen worse temptations than this,” Abdullahi said.

PDP rejects South East marginalisation claim

Responding to Governor Mbah’s claim of marginalisation, Abdullahi insisted the South East benefitted significantly during PDP administrations.

“This is the same party that produced five Senate Presidents from the South East. Each of the states in the region produced a Senate President at one point,” he argued. “They also produced ministers in very notable ministries.”

He also criticised Mbah for not attending major party meetings, suggesting that his complaints about poor leadership were an indictment of his own performance.

Party elders allege coercion by ruling APC

The South South Zonal Caretaker Chairman of the PDP, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, alleged that the defecting governors were being coerced by the ruling party.

“Even second-term governors are leaving, and we don’t know their reasons. Some of it is personal, but we know there’s coercion,” Ogidi said. “Nigerians already know that the APC wants to turn the country into a one-party state.”

The APC and the presidency have repeatedly denied such allegations, saying the opposition’s internal crisis is self-inflicted.

Udenta: “Defecting governors are gutless”

Political analyst and former AD secretary Prof. Udenta O. Udenta described the defecting governors as “cowardly, chicken-hearted, and gutless,” accusing them of lacking political courage and ideological clarity.

He argued that unlike President Bola Tinubu, who built his political power base deliberately, the defectors are “sheepishly obeying orders to abandon their parties.”

“Some governors flee from their parties citing internal crises, as if conflict is not a normal human condition to be managed and resolved. If you run away from your party because it’s in crisis, you’re unfit to lead,” Udenta said.

He also dismissed claims of marginalisation, noting that the South East enjoyed key political offices during PDP administrations.

Court restates order on PDP convention

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has restated its earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo in a suit seeking to stop the PDP’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice James Omotosho warned that he would issue consequential orders against any party attempting to act in defiance of the court.

The case, filed by three aggrieved party members, is expected to be heard on October 20, with the court promising to deliver judgment before the end of October.

Internal leadership tussle deepens

At Thursday’s session, PDP National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and senior lawyer Chris Uche (SAN) clashed over who has the authority to represent the party in court.

Justice Omotosho directed both sides to file their papers so the court can determine the legitimate counsel. The disagreement underscores deeper internal rifts within the party.

PDP at crossroads ahead of 2027

The recent defections, legal battles, and internal leadership tussles have placed the PDP at a critical turning point as it tries to reposition itself as a viable opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

While the party insists the defectors will regret their actions, analysts say PDP must resolve its internal conflicts and rebuild trust among its members if it hopes to remain competitive against the ruling APC.