The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has downplayed recent defections from its ranks, insisting that the party remains united and focused ahead of its national convention and the 2027 general elections.
This comes as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced a minor reshuffle in the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), appointing Senator Ben Obi as the new Secretary, following the defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Obi, a former presidential adviser, replaces Mbah, who joined the APC on Tuesday.
The convention, scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, will be chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the NWC ratified Obi’s appointment on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a successful convention.
Meanwhile, the party has dismissed fears of internal crisis, describing those leaving as “greedy and selfish”. Its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, speaking on a television programme, said there was no genuine reason for anyone to dump the party.
“Those leaving the PDP are doing so out of greed and avarice. Our house is in order, and we have addressed our major internal issues. The PDP remains strong and united”, Abdullahi stated.
He added that the defections of Governors Douye Diri, of Bayelsa state, and Peter Mbah of Enugu were politically-motivated and would not weaken the opposition. According to him, “It’s good riddance to bad rubbish”.
Abdullahi expressed confidence that the forthcoming convention would further strengthen party unity and reposition the PDP as a formidable force ready to “retrieve the country from an army of occupation masquerading as democrats”.
Despite the recent wave of defections, the PDP maintains that it is on course to rebuild, reinforce internal democracy, and prepare strategically for the 2027 polls.
