The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing one of the toughest moments in its political history. The recent wave of defections by its governors and top members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has left the once-dominant party in disarray and confusion. Political observers say this is the worst phase for the PDP since the 2015 mass exodus led by then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State.
In 2025 alone, four PDP governors have dumped the party for the APC, including Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa). Each cited reasons ranging from poor internal democracy to the need for better alignment with the federal government. These defections have weakened the PDP’s presence across the South and triggered blame games among party leaders.
Former aide to Peter Obi, Katchy Ononuju, blamed the crisis on Atiku Abubakar’s refusal to respect zoning during the 2023 presidential election, saying that failure to rotate power to the South created deep division within the party. He believes the PDP’s ongoing troubles are the consequence of that decision but insists the party can still bounce back if it rebuilds unity and structure before the 2027 general elections.
On the other hand, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, argued that the defections prove Atiku was never the problem. He claimed the real issues lie within the PDP’s internal conflicts and leadership struggles, stressing that “the insect that destroys the vegetable is within it.” Meanwhile, Action Alliance Chairman Kenneth Udeze and former Arewa Consultative Forum scribe, Anthony Sani, criticized the defectors, calling them politicians without ideology or principles who are only motivated by power and survival.
Despite the political storm, analysts believe the PDP will not disappear completely. With eight states still under its control, the party could survive as a viable opposition if it rebuilds its foundation and stays true to its core values. However, without discipline, unity, and ideological focus, it risks further fragmentation ahead of the 2027 elections.
