The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled an emergency meeting for Tuesday to address the wave of defections threatening the party.
This move comes in the wake of significant defections, including those of former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the entire PDP structure in Delta State, a region that has traditionally been a stronghold for the party.
The long-anticipated defections have thrown the PDP into a deep crisis. With several members already leaving the National Assembly, including Oluwole Oke, a five-time House of Representatives member from Osun State, further departures could deal a significant blow to the party’s strength as the 2027 general elections approach.
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A high-ranking party official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the NWC meeting on Tuesday will address the increasing defections and discuss strategies to prevent the party’s further decline.
The PDP has faced ongoing internal conflicts both before and after the 2023 elections.
Since assuming the role of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum has been under intense criticism following his succession of former chairman Iyorchia Ayu. Meanwhile, disagreements over the National Secretary position have deepened divisions within the NWC.
Setonji Koshoedo, the acting National Secretary appointed by the PDP Governors Forum, confirmed the planned meeting and sent out invitations to NWC members.
In the notice, which was obtained by The PUNCH, he stated: “Based on popular demand and wide consultation, I have been directed to call for an NWC Meeting as detailed below:
“Date: Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, Venue: National Working Committee (NWC) Hall, Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat, Abuja. Time: 12 Noon Prompt.
“All members of NWC and Cabinet Secretaries should pls note.”
Koshoedo’s appointment is still disputed after the Supreme Court’s March 21 ruling, which reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the party. The Court ruled that matters concerning the internal affairs of the party should not be subject to judicial intervention.
Senator Anyanwu has stated that he will attend the meeting despite the continuing leadership conflict.
He said, “I am aware of the meeting, and I will attend. The Governors Forum’s recommendations are part of the crisis. So, I will attend the meeting and see. We will do our best to ensure that peace reigns in the PDP and that the party is preserved.”
In the meantime, a NWC member disclosed that the issue is causing the leadership great concern.
The official remarked, “There is nothing the PDP can do to stop those who want to leave. Most of them defect for personal reasons, and some leave because they have issues with anti-corruption agencies. What reason did the Delta State Governor and others give? After all the PDP did for them, they still dumped the party. So obviously, it is difficult stop those who are determined to defect—unless you have the power to fulfill their desires or shield them from anti-graft agencies targeting them or their allies. But we will keep doing our best.
“The National Working Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to address a range of critical issues affecting the party. During the meeting, we will discuss the ongoing defections, the upcoming Congresses, the forthcoming National Executive Committee meeting, and the National Elective Convention, as well as consider the recommendations put forward by the Governors Forum.
“At this meeting, we will carefully review these matters and devise proactive strategies aimed at strengthening and repositioning the PDP in preparation for future elections.”
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