Bukola Saraki

Sources revealed that the meeting, which included PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), primarily aimed to address the surge in defections and settle the dispute over the National Secretary position.

Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been mired in internal crises. Tensions escalated following a fallout between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, compounded by leadership struggles in the South-South zone and the ongoing vacancy of the National Secretary position since December 2024.

Despite intervention efforts by key party bodies — including the NWC, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the Governors Forum — attempts at reconciliation have only deepened divisions, causing further fragmentation across state and zonal chapters.

As frustrations grew, several members defected to the All Progressives Congress, with the most significant defection occurring on April 23, when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other influential figures left the PDP. This high-profile shift dealt a significant blow to the party’s public image and weakened its prospects for the 2027 elections.

In response to the crisis, PDP governors convened a meeting with former governors and NWC members on May 11 in Abuja. Following the meeting, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, announced that former Senate President Saraki would lead the forum’s reconciliation committee.

Other members of the committee are Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; former Bayelsa Governor, Seriake Dickson; former Gombe Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo and former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

A senior party member, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, told our correspondent that the issue of who should be the party’s National Secretary was postponed for Saraki’s reconciliation panel to address.

The source stated, “The meeting that night was very tense. The issue of the National Secretary was raised but was deferred for Saraki’s committee to revisit and resolve.

“Similarly, Saraki’s panel was also tasked with addressing the South-South zonal leadership dispute, with a view to settling it out of court.

“I am also aware that the acting National Chairman, National Organising Secretary, and Legal Adviser met with Saraki and the Plateau State Governor throughout Monday to develop a strategy to stop or limit defections within the party and to discuss the issue of the National Secretary, which was resolved in line with the Supreme Court judgment in favour of Samuel Anyanwu.

“You know, that was the first time governors and former governors were meeting to discuss party matters. The purpose of the meeting was to address issues frankly, find ways to stop the defections we are currently witnessing, and ease tensions. More meetings are expected to follow.

“The panel will meet with the PDP governors before the May 27 NEC meeting to brief both serving and former governors and have them speak on what they have achieved.”

Another senior PDP member, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH that Nyesom Wike cleared his name during the meeting of serving and former governors.

“When he was asked to speak, Wike explained how he was appointed as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, particularly how he informed the PDP leadership.

“He also explained that he was not involved in anti-party activities in 2023, adding that he only said he wouldn’t support (Abubakar) Atiku and that he delivered all PDP candidates — from Governor and National Assembly members to the State House of Assembly.

“Wike boasted that no PDP serving governor delivered that much in 2023 for the party. He challenged anyone who believes he engaged in anti-party activities to come forward with evidence.

“When it was also raised that he promised to deliver the FCT to the APC in 2027, Wike challenged anyone to provide evidence of when and where he made such a statement.”

The source also confirmed that certain NWC members held a meeting with Saraki and the Plateau State Governor on Monday to address the issue of the National Secretary.

He said, “Yes, I am aware that some members of the NWC met with Saraki’s panel on Monday. Throughout the meeting, they identified the reasons behind the defections. The committee will develop a strategy to address the issue, and they also resolved the matter of the National Secretary.

“And I can confirm to you that the issue has been resolved by Saraki’s committee. Anyanwu has been cleared, and he resumed yesterday.”

Learnt that barring any last-minute changes, the South East Zonal Caucus is set to meet in Enugu today (Wednesday) to take a definitive decision regarding the National Secretary position.

Trusted multiple sources from the South East told newsmen that the meeting would be critical.

He stated, “What I can tell you is that the South East Zonal meeting will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, in Enugu. The Governor of Enugu will host the zone, and we will take a firm decision on the National Secretary once again. This time, our decision will be final.”

Responding to reports about Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary, the PDP’s National Working Committee, through a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, clarified that Setonji Koshoedo is still serving as the party’s acting scribe.

Ologunagba also noted that the nomination form for the PDP’s candidate in the Anambra State governorship election was signed by both the acting National Chairman and Koshoedo.

The statement read, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Nomination Form for the PDP candidate in the Anambra State governorship election was signed by the duly authorized signatories of the Party; the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum and the Acting National Secretary, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo in a letter with reference number: PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1J/25-065 dated Wednesday, May 07, 2025. (Document attached).

“It should be noted that in the light of the Supreme Court judgement affirming the supremacy of the Party over its Internal affairs, the NWC in a letter with reference number: PDP/DOM/GF.2/ VOL. IF/25-061, dated May 05, 2025 and signed by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum and the Acting National Secretary, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo.

“For clarity Section 36 (2) of the PDP Constitution empowers the Deputy National Secretary to act as National Secretary whenever so directed.

“It is also clear by the date and time stamp on the nomination page on INEC portal that the Commission concluded on the nomination process based on the documents duly co-signed by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum and the Acting National Secretary, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo.

“The NWC therefore urges all members of the PDP, the media and the general public to disregard the said report as well as the fake letter being circulated in the social media.”

Meanwhile, former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has cautioned that the PDP risks collapsing before the 2027 elections if its leadership fails to take decisive action to address ongoing issues.

During an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Suswam stated that the party was in a critical state.

He said, “A lot of people are hanging on, waiting to see the ultimate end of this party.

“Whether there is light at the end of the tunnel in the efforts made by Senator Saraki will be seen in the next two weeks. For now, would I say that PDP is in the hospital? Yes. Is it in the ICU to some extent? Yes, it is. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied.”

In contrast to Suswam’s stance, PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser and NEC member, Okechukwu Osuoha, expressed optimism that the party would emerge stronger from the ongoing crisis.

Osuoha, in an exclusive interview with newsmen, called on the PDP leaders to prioritise the party’s interest over personal ambitions.

He stated, “I am optimistic that the crisis will be over soon. I believe that all the major actors and stakeholders will come to reason, allow the rule of law to prevail, and let the general and collective interest of the party supersede their personal interests.

“So, yes, PDP is still on course. What we are experiencing now is similar to someone flying in an aircraft and encountering turbulence. That turbulence doesn’t necessarily mean the aircraft won’t reach its destination.”

For his part, NEC member, Board of Trustees member, and former National Secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri, also voiced confidence that the PDP would recover and regain strength.

In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Tsauri urged those who do not have the party’s best interests at heart to exit the PDP.

He stated, “Those who don’t mean well for the party should leave now, so that the rest of us — serious members, no matter the number — can reposition the PDP.

“Give us between now and early 2026; the PDP will bounce back stronger and better. We are confident that the issues will be resolved and the party will emerge stronger.

“Once we put our house in order — and that will be done — those who left will return.”

In a related development, the three Senators – Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) – who last week left the PDP for the APC, have given reasons for defecting to the ruling party.

The lawmakers, in separate letters read on the floor of the Red Chamber by the  Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, said they left the PDP following the party’s inability to provide the leadership Nigerians needed.

Aliero, a former Governor of Kebbi State, said he took the decision to leave after a wide consultation with his people.

“I have made the decision to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and rejoin the All Progressive Party of which I was a founding member.

“This decision was not made lightly. I’ve been a proud member of the PDP, a party under whose platform I was elected to serve.

“Today, I made this move in response to a simple question that every responsible leader must ask him or herself: What is best for the people I serve?”

He added, “Over the past month, it has become clear to me that PDP, as it currently stands, has become disconnected from the aspirations of the very Nigerians it seeks to lead.

“Internal divisions, lack of ideological clarity and inability to provide a credible forward-looking agenda have made it difficult for leaders like me to pursue the reform and development agenda that our people deserve,” he said.

Aliero further said, “Nigeria must move forward and today, I move forward with the people for the people and in the interest of our shared future.”

On his part, Abdullahi said that he was rejoining the APC to team up with President Bola Tinubu and the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, to bring development to the doorsteps of the people.

He said, “Recall, on June 14, 2022, I withdrew my membership of the APC and resigned my position as the leader of the ninth Senate following political disagreements in my state.

“I am happy to note that those disagreements have been effectively resolved by the incumbent governor.

“I, therefore, have no reason whatsoever not to go back to APC, particularly since I am one of the major architects of its formation and successes. For me, going back to the APC is a homecoming event. It is also politically imperative for me to join Mr President, Bola Tinubu.

Also speaking, Maidoki blamed the lingering crisis in the PDP for his decision to defect to the ruling party.

“This (defection) will enable me to participate fully in the renewed hope for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large.

“When I was sworn in as a senator in June 2023, more than 100 villages in my senatorial district were occupied by bandits and in constant fear of kidnappings, rape and cattle rustling.

“To the glory of God, the deployment of troops in part of my constituency has played a significant role in proactive security of the area and my people have almost all returned and are arming peacefully,” he said.

Speaking afterwards, the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, said those joining the ruling party were doing so of their own volition.

“If anyone will be coerced, it is not Sen Aliero, it wouldn’t be Sen Yahaya Abdulahi that will be coerced; neither is it Sen Maidoki, who had also made a mark in the private sector before he joined politics.

“They are not in politics so that they can feed, but they recognise the fact that this is not the time for us to grandstand. This is the time for all of us to work together to take Nigeria to the next level.

“And I say it again, those who refer to this parliament as a rubber stamp should know that we are at a very critical stage of our national life when all hands must be on deck.

“It will not matter what party you belong to. What will matter to you is the overriding public interest,” he said.