In a bid to address the wave of defections threatening the party, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled an emergency meeting for Tuesday.
The development follows the recent defections of key party figures, including former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the entire PDP structure in Delta State — one of the party’s historic strongholds.
The defections, long anticipated, have pushed the PDP into one of its deepest crises. With several lawmakers already lost in the National Assembly — the latest being Oluwole Oke, a five-time House of Representatives member from Osun State — further departures could significantly weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior party official, speaking anonymously confirmed that Tuesday’s NWC meeting will focus on the growing trend of defections and measures to halt the party’s decline.
The PDP has battled persistent internal divisions before and after the 2023 elections.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has faced mounting criticism since taking over from former chairman Iyorchia Ayu, while disputes over the National Secretary position have further split the NWC.
Confirming the planned meeting, Setonji Koshoedo, acting National Secretary appointed by the PDP Governors Forum, issued an invitation to NWC members. In the notice, obtained exclusively by The PUNCH, he wrote:
“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, however, remains an issue following the Supreme Court’s ruling on March 21, which reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary. The Court maintained that internal party matters should not be subjected to judicial intervention.
Despite the ongoing leadership tussle, Senator Anyanwu has vowed to attend the meeting.
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.”
Meanwhile, a member of the NWC revealed that the leadership is deeply concerned about the situation.
The official stated, “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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