Concerns are mounting over the future of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following recent defections and rising tensions surrounding invitations issued by the Chief Tom Ikimi-led Disciplinary Committee.
This year alone, Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) and Mrs. Ibori-Suenu, representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Ibori-Suenu is the daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, a key political figure in the state.
The South-South and South-East regions, once PDP strongholds, have seen declining loyalty since the party lost power in 2015.
Adding to the uncertainty, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo) hinted during an interview on Channels Television that “at least one PDP governor” is preparing to defect to the APC.
“I don’t want to mention names so I don’t embarrass people, but I can assure you that the next time I return to this program, you will see a governor who has crossed over to the APC,” Ibrahim said.
The Ikimi-led panel recently summoned embattled PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, to appear on Wednesday over allegations of anti-party activities.
The timing and selective nature of the invitations have sparked criticism among party stakeholders.
One stakeholder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, questioned why the panel had not summoned Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory:
“Everybody knew what transpired in Rivers during the 2023 Presidential Election. As governor, Wike openly worked against our candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Why is Ikimi and co silent?”
However, another NEC member defended Wike’s record:
“Why should anyone invite Wike? He remains the only PDP governor who delivered the entire Local Governments, state, and National Assembly seats to the PDP. Show me any of those noisemakers who achieved this feat in 2023.”
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, speaking to Vanguard, accused certain individuals of trying to destabilize the party to justify their defection to other political platforms:
“Those fueling the embers of disunity are trying to destroy the party to pave the way for their defection. It’s already happening in the National Assembly.”
Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor acknowledged past mistakes but urged party members to move forward:
“This is no longer the time for blame games. All have sinned — from the BOT chairman who endorsed an opposition governor, to candidates who negotiated and supported other party candidates, to NWC members and leaders who lost their polling units.
“We must all come down from our high horses, forget pride, and join hands with the party as led by Ambassador Illya Damagun to reposition the PDP for victory.”
