The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused defecting governors of acting out of greed and selfishness, asserting that it is the Nigerian people, not governors, who define a party’s relevance.
The PDP further warned that those abandoning the platform behind their rise could regret their choices in the 2027 elections.
Since 2023, four governors have left the PDP: Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
More recently, even the party’s 2023 presidential standard-bearer, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, along with other prominent associates, have withdrawn from it.
Speaking on Arise Television, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi blamed the defections on “greed, avarice, and selfishness.” He argued:
“You can’t find any compelling reason for a governor, especially one in their second term, to abandon the party that brought him to power, other than covetousness.”
Abdullahi claimed the PDP remains strong and is working to solve internal issues hindering its ability to present itself as a credible opposition ahead of 2027.
While attempts to reach Bayelsa Governor Diri’s spokesman were unsuccessful, Enugu Governor Mbah’s media aide responded that the PDP’s protest was expected.
Despite the wave of defections, Abdullahi insisted the party is undeterred and already planning its national convention in Ibadan, which he believes will revamp the PDP’s image and reposition it for 2027.
He asserted that the departures of certain governors present an opportunity for “weeding out bad elements.”
He dismissed claims that Mbah left due to marginalisation, noting the PDP has historically empowered the South East region through major national appointments.
Abdullahi also criticized those who choose to abandon the party and leadership responsibilities, claiming:
“It’s APC vs. Nigerians now. Let them do what they will, we’ve seen worse before.”
South‑South PDP caretaker chairman Elder Emmanuel Ogidi alleged that some governors were coerced by the APC, while Professor Udenta O. Udenta, founding national secretary of the now‑defunct Alliance for Democracy, labeled defectors “cowardly and gutless.” Udenta argued many lack political maturity and fail to appreciate what propelled them to power.
He said “Real politicians adjust, compromise, and stay resolute; fleeing at the first sign of crisis signals unfitness to lead.”
Udenta also criticized Governor Mbah’s claim of regional marginalisation, pointing to sustained South East representation in federal appointments over the years.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja reaffirmed its earlier directive that parties maintain status quo concerning the PDP national convention, currently set for November 15–16 in Ibadan.
Justice James Omotosho warned that disobedience would invite further legal consequences.
He scheduled October 20 for the hearing of a suit filed by three PDP members seeking to halt the convention, but indicated judgment would likely be delivered by the month’s end.
The parties involved include the PDP, INEC, and senior party officials.
The court also ordered both sides to submit legal processes by October 17.
