Governors’ Defections Won’t Kill PDP – Party Spokesman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims that it is on the brink of collapse following the recent wave of defections by some of its governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, said on Wednesday that while the PDP is facing challenges, it remains alive, functional, and resilient, insisting that its strength lies with the Nigerian people rather than political office holders.

PDP Reacts to Peter Mbah’s Defection

Ologunagba’s statement came in reaction to the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and members of his cabinet to the ruling APC on Tuesday.

Mbah’s move came barely months after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State also dumped the PDP for the APC — a development that has stirred speculation over the survival of Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Appearing on Arise Television’s “Prime Time” programme on Tuesday night, Ologunagba acknowledged that the party is navigating turbulent times but maintained that it remains far from the “coma” critics have described.

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“The PDP is not in coma. It’s not in a vegetative state,” he said. “Yes, we have challenges — some of which are external, but more damaging are the ones within. But again, we are working that rope surely towards our convention.”

“Our strength is in the people, not the governors”

The PDP spokesperson emphasised that the essence and resilience of the party are anchored in its grassroots support and democratic ideology, not merely on the loyalty of elected officials.

“The strength of the PDP lies in the people, not the governors,” he stressed. “Governors may come and go, but the people, our members and supporters across Nigeria, are the true custodians of the PDP.”

Ologunagba expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger from its current internal crisis ahead of its forthcoming national convention, which he said would reaffirm its unity and readiness to reclaim power.

“The PDP has always faced challenges at critical times in its history, but it has also always risen above them. This time will not be different,” he said.

PDP crisis deepens amid defections

The recent defections come at a time when the PDP has been battling leadership wrangling and internal divisions since the 2023 general elections.

Analysts believe the exodus of key figures to the APC signals deeper discontent within the party’s ranks, particularly over its zoning policy, leadership structure, and post-election reconciliation strategy.

However, insiders close to the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) insist that consultations are ongoing to rebuild trust and reposition the party ahead of the next general elections.

A senior party official, who spoke under anonymity, said: “The truth is that the PDP is in a period of reawakening. The convention will be the defining moment for the party. What matters most now is unity, and that’s what we’re working towards.”

Party eyes major convention to rebuild structure

The PDP is expected to hold its national convention before the end of the year to address internal issues, restructure its leadership organs, and chart a fresh course ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party leaders have hinted that the convention will serve as a “reset button” to reposition the PDP as a viable alternative to the ruling APC.