The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will restructure its leadership in the South-South region to remove disloyal members and stop further defections.
A member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke anonymously to Sunday PUNCH, said the party is unhappy with recent defections and will take strong action to prepare for the 2027 general elections.
“This will not be business as usual. When the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, left, the NWC met and agreed to challenge their defection in court. That process is ongoing. As for Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, who left on Saturday, the party will act after the Sallah break,” the source said
The source said many of the defectors left their loyalists in key positions at the state and zonal levels, weakening the party from the inside.
“The party must now clean the house. We will overhaul the South-South leadership to ensure only committed members remain in charge. There is no more space for political opportunists who jump ship at the slightest discomfort,” he added.
The PDP has lost several top members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) since the 2023 elections, including Governors Oborevwori and Eno. These moves have weakened the party and affected its image ahead of the next elections.
Reacting to the latest defection, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said disloyal members should leave quickly so the party can rebuild with loyal people.
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Osadolor said, “No party, big or small, likes to lose valuable members, especially a sitting governor from an important state like Akwa Ibom. But we need true patriots now, not political merchants chasing personal gain.”
He criticised Governor Eno, a church leader, for putting politics ahead of public service.
“Many hoped his background would guide him to lead with compassion, truth, and service. But it seems his focus is only on securing a second term,” Osadolor said.
Despite the challenges, Osadolor said he believes the PDP will bounce back.
He added, “I said earlier this year that those looking for transport fare to leave should go now. If they need help, they can come to Wadata Plaza, and we’ll gladly escort them out. It’s better they leave now than stay and sabotage the party. Those of us who truly believe in the PDP are ready to reposition it. All hope is not lost.”