As opposition political figures rally around the African Democratic Congress in a bid to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, Sunday PUNCH has learnt that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party are stepping up efforts to prevent further defections from the party.
Multiple sources in the party, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation, revealed that PDP leaders were actively engaging leaders and members across the country, urging them not to align with the ADC.
One insider disclosed that the PDP was prepared to deny tickets to any elected member fraternising with the coalition unless they publicly reaffirmed loyalty to the PDP and rejected the opposition alliance.
APC, ADC pressure
The PDP had been embroiled in internal wrangling which had seen the party lose two governors (Umo Eno and Sheriff Oborevwori) to the ruling All Progressives Congress, along with their supporters.
Some lawmakers had also defected to the APC.
The party, however, resolved its crisis during the 100th National Executive Committee’s meeting, held on June 30, which confirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.
On April 15 in Ibadan, Oyo State, PDP governors declared that the party would steer clear of the emerging coalition aimed at unseating President Tinubu in 2027.
That position was later echoed by members of the party’s National Working Committee, led by the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who insisted that while the PDP remained open to receiving defectors, it had no intention of joining any coalition.
Despite this stance, some influential PDP chieftains, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, have urged party members and the wider public to support the ADC-led coalition.
Their call was contained in a communiqué signed by Mark following a PDP coalition meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on July 1.
The meeting was attended by some party heavyweights, including former National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke, Babangida Aliyu and Sam Egwu; Senator Ben Obi; former Women Leader, Josephine Anenih; former Organising Secretary, Senator Austin Akobundu; former Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan; and former Youth Leader, Abdullahi Maibasira, among others.
While some of the leaders have already dumped the PDP, others signalled their intention to work with the ADC while still retaining membership of the PDP.
PDP fights for survival
Multiple party sources told Sunday PUNCH that the PDP’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum and other organs were deeply concerned about the unfolding situation.
One senior party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The leaders of the party are not happy with the total disregard for the PDP. How can someone claim to be a PDP member while openly working for the ADC? Does that make any sense?
“Through our established channels, we have already reached out to our members across the country, urging them not to join the coalition. At the appropriate time, we will take decisive action against anyone who attempts to take the PDP for granted.
“Party leaders have been directed to engage members at all levels, reassuring them of the party’s unity and progress. This is to prevent further defections. At the same time, we will assist those who have clearly lost interest in the PDP to leave and join their coalition. We will not allow sabotage. That way, those of us who remain committed can focus on rebuilding and repositioning the party.”
Another top party source said leaders were making efforts behind the scenes to keep the PDP united and intact.
“We are not joking. Why do you think PDP members are now issuing statements distancing themselves from the coalition or the ADC? Do you think they just woke up and decided to do that?
“No, we reached out to them through every available channel. They know the PDP is still a very viable platform, and they understand what is at stake if they associate with the ADC while claiming to be PDP members.
“For those elected on the PDP platform, their tickets will no longer be guaranteed. We will not give our party’s ticket to individuals who support another party, regardless of the name or form it takes.
“The PDP will continue to do its best to ensure its members remain loyal and committed to repositioning the party.”
On his part, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described as hypocritical the decision of anyone to remain in the party while collaborating with the ADC.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, he urged those who no longer believed in the party’s ideology to resign before the party takes disciplinary action.
Abdullahi said, “That is hypocrisy and double standards. I don’t expect anybody who understands the significance of allegiance to operate with double standards. If you are dissatisfied with the PDP, then you have no reason to remain loyal to it and another movement. It tells everyone the kind of person you are.
“Anyone who exhibits this kind of behaviour may no longer have the credibility to remain with the PDP. If they want to identify with the ADC, they should resign their PDP membership, just like David Mark did.
“If they are credible enough, if they have any modicum of integrity, that is the honourable thing to do.
“Of course, we are considering disciplinary measures. We are beginning to see reasons to sanction erring members. Anyone who wants to go should go. You cannot express dual allegiance”
He added, “I know they will be quick to mention the Minister of the FCT, whom they’ve been clamouring for us to sanction. Of course, the party will sanction him too.
“Now that it’s clear that some people are out to sabotage us, we won’t allow it. We will wield the big stick and sanction them accordingly.”
PDP leader differs
But the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, described the opposition coalition as the most effective strategy to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Osadolor said he supported any legitimate move aimed at ending what he described as the hardship under the current administration.
He said, “Yes, mistakes were made in the past, and people had cause to toe this line, but it is not a norm. It is not something that speaks to the integrity of those individuals.
