Politics
PDP summons emergency meeting to stop defections
Following the gale of defections sweeping through the ranks and strongholds of the country’s leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, the National Working Committee of the PDP has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to address the wave of defections and other internal crises that have plagued the party over the past years.
The storm had been long speculated before the dramatic defection of the PDP’s former vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa; the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire PDP party structure in Delta, one of the former ruling party’s strongholds.
Delta Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, state commissioners, local government chairmen, and the state’s grassroots machinery all moved en bloc to the APC after a closed-door meeting in Asaba last week following ‘Hurricane Tinubu’, which had swept the PDP apart, with the opposition claiming the country was drifting towards a one-party state.
The party is facing one of its most difficult times since its formation in 1998. Having lost several members in the federal parliament, the latest being Oluwole Oke, a five-time member of the House of Representatives from Osun State, more defections, as being touted, would place the party at a competitive disadvantage with the ruling APC, with less than two years to the 2027 general election.
Meanwhile, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, recently reaffirmed as National Secretary by the Supreme Court, has vowed to attend the meeting despite the stance of the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed led PDP Governors Forum.
A high-ranking source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to comment on the matter, confirmed that the NWC meeting will address the defection of party members to the All Progressives Congress and explore ways to prevent further defections.
The PDP has faced persistent internal strife both before and after the 2023 elections, leading to increasing instability and divisions across the party.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has faced intense criticisms since taking over from Iyorchia Ayu.
The crisis has disrupted operations at all levels, with most state chapters in disarray and zonal structures—particularly in the South-South—severely weakened.
Conflicts over the position of National Secretary have further split the National Working Committee, leaving it largely ineffective.
Additionally, the terms of many Board of Trustees members have lapsed without replacements, and the few remaining are split into opposing camps.
Amid the ongoing turmoil, a previous exclusive report by The PUNCH on February 18 disclosed that over 300 PDP members switched to the APC between February 2024 and February 2025, mainly due to internal conflicts at both state and national levels.
Likewise, the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Labour Party have experienced major defections to the APC, with internal disputes being a common reason.
Most recently, on April 23rd, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor and PDP’s 2023 vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, and all party members in the state officially joined the APC.
NWC meeting
Setonji Koshoedo, the acting Secretary appointed by PDP Governors, confirmed that the National Working Committee meeting will take place in Abuja on Tuesday.
Recall that the Supreme Court ruling on March 21 overturned Anyanwu’s removal, affirming that internal party disputes are not for judicial intervention.
In response to the ruling on April 14, the PDP Governors urged the South East Zone to propose a nominee for the position and announced Koshoedo as acting National Secretary.
Koshoedo in an invitation to NWC members, exclusively obtained by our correspondent, disclosed that the meeting is scheduled for 12 noon.
The notification stated “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.”
In an exclusive interview, a source, who is an NWC member, stated that the party leadership is concerned about the current state of the PDP.
He 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.”
Anyanwu also confirmed the meeting and pledged to attend as the party’s National Secretary.
In an interview Anyanwu urged the remaining party members to stay dedicated to strengthening and uniting the party.
He stated “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.”
Anyanwu urged PDP members nationwide not to be discouraged by the party’s current challenges, assuring them that all issues will be resolved soon.
“It is time for peace. We have to bring the party together. Everyone must forget about their interests; we must ensure that the PDP is peaceful, united, and progressing before talking about individual interests.
“Defection or no defection, the rest of us must work to unite and reposition the party.”
Meanwhile, PDP NEC members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi called on party leaders to align their actions with their words.
They emphasised that broader consultations and reconciliation efforts would help restore confidence among party members nationwide.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Osadolor urged the party leadership to come down from their high positions.
He said, “If there are questions or criticisms about the management style of the party leadership, we should counter them with solutions.
“We have to propose the solutions to the party leadership so that the party itself can self-reform and provide the necessary leadership. There is no perfect organisation or institution on earth. For those saying the NWC, currently led by Damagun, is not performing at its best, I wonder what they want.
“Ambassador Ilya Damagun has preached peace, reconciliation, harmony, and unity within the party. I don’t know if they expect him to go to a market and buy gum to bring the party together.
“The truth is that everyone involved has come down from their high positions to explore ways to advance the party’s interests in a manner that makes the PDP attractive and ready to win future elections.
“To achieve this, all party leaders—whether Governors, NWC members, BoT members, or others—must match their words with actions.”
To stop defections, Osadolor suggested amending Nigerian laws to prevent elected officials from leaving the political platform through which they were elected to join another.
…Denies Government Involvement in NDC Airport, Secretariat Incidents
…Says Mbah’s Performance Sufficient to Secure Re-election in Free, Fair Polls
The Enugu State Government has alleged that some opposition elements are plotting to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic and portray Enugu as insecure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made the allegation on Sunday during a press conference at the Government House, Enugu, where he addressed two incidents involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on Saturday.
Onyia denied any involvement of the state government or Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, in either incident. He described the airport confrontation as a matter between the NDC and federal authorities, while noting that the shooting incident at the party’s secretariat was under police investigation.
According to the SSG, the government’s preliminary findings indicated that the airport incident followed the NDC’s attempt to hold what it described as a “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the facility without obtaining the necessary approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He said the party had publicised the event and invited members and supporters to attend, including through the Facebook page of its governorship candidate in the state.
Onyia explained that the police had advised the party to obtain FAAN’s approval before security personnel could be deployed to the airport for the event.
“Further findings, however, revealed that the NDC did not secure the approval of FAAN to host a grand statewide rally at its facility. Security agencies, therefore, advised the organisers of the rally to rethink it,” he said.
The SSG alleged that the party proceeded to mobilise its members to the airport and attempted to gain entry into the facility, resulting in a confrontation with airport authorities.
He said security agencies intervened to disperse what he described as “riotous” party members and restore order around the airport, which he characterised as a strategic national asset.
Onyia added that the state government’s account was consistent with a statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.
NDC Secretariat Shooting
Addressing the shooting incident at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu, Onyia said security reports had confirmed that a violent clash occurred at the party’s office and that the police were investigating the matter.
He disputed reports of fatalities, claiming that the government’s preliminary findings indicated that no one had died in the incident.
According to him, a 43-year-old man, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where he was stabilised before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further examination.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” he said.
Onyia also rejected allegations that the governor’s Chief Security Officer was present at the party secretariat and supervised the shooting. He maintained that Osondu was with Governor Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, when the incident occurred.
The SSG further criticised the reported observance of a minute’s silence for an individual he claimed was still alive, describing it as an attempt to mislead the public for political gain.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Onyia said Mbah had sworn to protect the lives and property of all residents, irrespective of their religious beliefs or political affiliations.
He said the administration’s ambition to grow Enugu into a $30 billion economy and make it a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living depended significantly on sustained peace and security.
According to him, this commitment informed the government’s substantial investments in security infrastructure and operations over the past three years.
“Consequently, the Enugu State Government strongly condemns in its entirety any form of violence, including politically induced violence in the state. We welcome healthy debate and freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” he said.
He urged political parties and their candidates to exercise restraint and embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
The SSG maintained that democratic rights should be exercised responsibly, arguing that political parties ought to serve as models of decorum and integrity.
He questioned the decision to announce a statewide campaign flag-off at the airport without obtaining approval from the relevant authorities.
“Without holding brief for FAAN, is it not sheer rascality to attempt to hold a ‘Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026’ of the NDC at the airport as publicised by the party and its gubernatorial candidate, especially without the approval by the appropriate authorities?
“Is it not equally gross mischief and a sign of political desperation to hold a minute’s silence for a living person, just to mislead the public for political traction?” he queried.
Government Alleges Opposition Plot
Onyia accused opposition elements in Enugu of attempting to create the impression that the state was unsafe and that the government was intolerant of opposing political parties.
He alleged that some opposition groups had been attributing internal disagreements and violent clashes to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Citing an incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area on September 12, 2026, the SSG claimed that investigations had identified the alleged perpetrators and that the police were prosecuting them.
He described the opposition as factionalised and alleged that some of its members were attempting to draw the state government into controversies to gain political relevance.
Onyia reiterated the government’s allegation that some opposition elements were plotting to bring armed thugs and bandits into Enugu to create panic and undermine public confidence in the state’s security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We, however, make bold to say that the peace and security we have achieved in Enugu State in the last three years, and at huge material costs and sacrifices by our security agents, are non-negotiable and irreversible,” he said.
The SSG said the Mbah administration remained committed to protecting citizens’ democratic rights, including the freedom to campaign for and vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming elections.
He described the right of residents to elect their leaders through free, fair and credible polls as fundamental to the state’s democratic development.
Mbah’s Performance and 2027 Re-election Bid
Onyia expressed confidence that Mbah would secure a second term, citing what he described as the governor’s performance and delivery on campaign promises.
He said the administration had no reason to resort to desperate measures, insisting that its record in office would form the basis of its appeal to voters for a renewed mandate.
“Indeed, these inalienable rights of Ndi Enugu to elect their leaders in free, fair and credible polls are our surest hope for re-election come 2027,” he said.
Politics
2027: Over 30,000 Enugu Teachers Endorse Mbah, Tinubu, Cite Welfare Improvements, Increased Education Funding
Teachers across public and private schools in Enugu State have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in office, citing improved welfare, timely promotions, increased education funding and other interventions by his administration.
The teachers also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose economic reforms, according to Mbah, had made more resources available to states to undertake major projects, including the construction of over 267 Smart Green Schools across the 260 political wards of Enugu State.
The teachers declared their support through a rally organised by the Teachers for Grassroots Movement (TGM), with over 12,000 members marching through parts of Enugu metropolis before converging on Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday for the endorsement event.
Speaking at the rally, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Theophilus Odo, described Mbah as a Godsend, highlighting measures taken by the governor to address longstanding challenges in the state’s education sector.
“On behalf of the NUT, I want to say that we are happy today because God has given us a caring governor, Peter Mbah,” Odo said.
He noted that Mbah had supported the domestication of harmonised retirement benefits for teachers even before becoming governor.
“The building of over 260 Smart Green Schools is a very positive change. Our teachers and children can now compete favourably with their peers in other places,” he said.
Odo added that the administration had commenced the recruitment of thousands of teachers while investing in professional development through symposiums and other training programmes.
“There are no outstanding promotions, and our salaries are coming at the appropriate time.
“So, we, the teachers, are endorsing our governor for a second term in office. The votes of our teachers are only for Governor Mbah,” he declared.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Nelson Agu, said private school teachers were participating in such a rally in the state for the first time to show support for what he described as Mbah’s revolution in the education sector.
He said the introduction of Smart Green Schools had challenged private school proprietors to upgrade their facilities and improve educational standards.
“When you came and started the idea of over 260 Smart Green Schools, we thought we were out of service. But we went and upgraded our schools to meet the required standards,” Agu said.
He also commended the administration’s allocation of 33 per cent of the state budget to education for three consecutive years.
“Importantly, the idea of allocating 33 per cent of the budget to the education sector for three consecutive years is something to laud your administration for,” he added.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Enugu State, Simeon Akaeme, said the Mbah administration had restored the dignity of teachers and improved their living conditions through investments in infrastructure and social services.
Similarly, the Director-General of TGM, Dr. Nwakaego Aja, described education as a pathway to liberation, self-reliance and economic development, particularly amid the systemic challenges confronting the country.
Aja assured the governor of the support of the movement’s over 30,000 members, saying the administration’s education reforms had demonstrated the role of education in driving economic growth.
“Through experiential learning and innovation, you brought answers to the quest by our nationalists, elevating education to a catalyst for economic development,” she said.
“We, the teachers, are not ingrates. We see what you are doing. You promised disruptive innovation, and you have delivered disruptive innovation. That is why we are here.
“We promise you this: we will take your good news to the communities, to the staff rooms, to every market, to every polling unit, and we will deliver. Our vote is for the All Progressives Congress (APC) from bottom to top,” she added.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Education and patron of TGM, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, described the endorsement by thousands of teachers as an indication of the broader support expected for Governor Mbah and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the teachers, he thanked the governor for prioritising education and investing resources in creating better opportunities for children across the state.
“On behalf of every teacher gathered here today, I have one message, and that is to thank you for believing and investing in the vision that it is through education that Enugu State will attain greater heights. You have committed so many resources to giving every Enugu child a future,” he said.
In his address, Governor Mbah said the endorsement was significant beyond the 2027 elections, stressing that the success of his administration’s development agenda depended largely on teachers and the education system.
“Today’s endorsement carries a particular significance, and that is because everything we do, all the promises we have made, all the projections we have made — growing Enugu’s economy, becoming one of the top three states in terms of GDP, making Enugu State the number one state in terms of investment, business, living and tourism — are in the hands of our teachers,” he said.
The governor said his administration’s investments in education included the construction of over 7,000 classrooms, the provision of 25,000 desktop computers and more than 5,000 tablets, as well as free feeding and uniforms for pupils.
He added that the government was focused on transforming the state’s education system rather than merely providing infrastructure and learning materials.
“For us, it is about transformation — transforming an education system. And that whole transformation, whether we fail or succeed, would lie largely in your hands,” Mbah said.
He expressed appreciation for teachers’ contributions to the state’s development, acknowledging the challenges they face in educating children and preparing them for the future.
“That is why, when I say that I see you and I value you, it comes from the depths of my heart because I understand what you go through to inculcate this knowledge into our children so that we can become that great state. So, we love you and appreciate you dearly,” he added.
The governor’s wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, described the endorsement as a strong affirmation of an administration that had placed education at the centre of its development agenda.
The rally was attended by senior government officials, political and community leaders, and other stakeholders.
…Says 2027 Election Will End Politics of Godfatherism, Privilege in Ebonyi
BY PETRUS OBI
Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, witnessed an extraordinary political reception as thousands of enthusiastic supporters trooped out to welcome the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, on his return to the state.
From the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, where a large crowd gathered to receive him, to Abakaliki, where another mammoth crowd assembled, Odii’s arrival generated considerable excitement among supporters, temporarily bringing activities in parts of the state capital to a standstill.
The reception took another dimension at a filling station in Abakaliki, where the PDP candidate reportedly treated supporters who gathered to welcome him to free fuel, with beneficiaries driving away with filled tanks.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Odii urged Ebonyi residents, irrespective of their places of origin, to prepare for what he described as a tough but decisive political battle ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He expressed confidence that the collective determination of the people would ultimately prevail, insisting that the forthcoming election represents a defining moment in the political history of the state.
According to him, his governorship ambition is not driven by personal interests but by a determination to rescue Ebonyi from years of missed opportunities and alleged mismanagement of public resources.
Odii described his Anyi G’ Emeya movement as a people-driven mission aimed at restoring accountable leadership, creating economic opportunities and building an inclusive government that works for every Ebonyi resident.
Cheering supporters
Free fuel for all
He assured supporters that the deployment of modern technology and competent technology experts to monitor electoral activities across polling units would make electoral manipulation increasingly difficult.
The PDP candidate consequently urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
Speaking further, Odii declared that his achievements in business had already placed him in a position to enjoy extraordinary comfort and luxury anywhere in the world without seeking political office.
He explained that he could have chosen a life of leisure, travelling in luxury yachts and private aircraft, rather than subjecting himself to the demands and challenges of political leadership.
However, he maintained that his decision to contest the governorship election was informed by a greater desire to create an Ebonyi State where opportunities would no longer be the exclusive preserve of the politically connected.
Odii said his vision was to build a society where children from poor families could aspire to become governors, ministers, lawmakers and other prominent public officeholders on the strength of their intelligence, competence, leadership qualities and personal accomplishments.
He condemned a political culture in which access to opportunities and public offices is perceived to depend on family connections, influential relatives, in-laws or powerful political godfathers.
The PDP standard-bearer insisted that Ebonyi must embrace a new political order where merit, fairness and equal opportunity, rather than privilege and political patronage, determine the future of its citizens.
He called on supporters to remain united and committed to the Anyi G’ Emeya movement, expressing optimism that the 2027 election would usher in a new era of leadership in Ebonyi State.
ABAKALIKI — The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed reports suggesting that he may withdraw from the 2027 Ebonyi State governorship race and support Governor Francis Nwifuru.
In a statement signed by Odii’s spokesperson, Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe, the campaign described the reported withdrawal as false, insisting that Odii remains committed to contesting the election.
According to Igwe, “Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will never, under any condition, step down from the 2027 governorship contest.”
The statement said Odii’s political camp remains focused on what it described as its campaign position: “Odii must run and win.”
It added that any political discussions, persuasion or negotiations involving other individuals should not be interpreted as a decision by Odii to abandon his governorship ambition.
Camp Rejects Withdrawal Narrative
The Odii camp further described reports of a possible withdrawal as a political narrative allegedly being promoted by individuals opposed to his candidacy.
Igwe challenged those behind the reports to produce evidence showing that Odii had personally announced his withdrawal from the race.
“There is a fundamental difference between reporting that a politician intends to persuade Chief Odii to withdraw and reporting that Chief Odii has agreed to withdraw,” the statement said, stressing that the latter would require evidence from the candidate himself.
The spokesperson also urged journalists, bloggers and online publishers to maintain professional standards when reporting political developments, warning against presenting speculation or the intentions of third parties as established decisions by political candidates.
24-Hour Retraction Demand
The camp has consequently demanded that publishers of the alleged withdrawal story retract or prominently correct their reports within 24 hours, unless they can produce an authentic statement from Odii confirming that he has decided to withdraw from the 2027 contest.
The statement also reminded online publishers of their responsibilities under Nigerian law, citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended, as well as other laws relating to unlawful online publications and defamatory material.
The spokesperson clarified that the reference to the law was not intended as a threat against legitimate journalism or political criticism, but as a reminder that political disagreements should remain within the bounds of the law.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that Odii remains in the 2027 governorship race and urged members of the public to regard reports of his withdrawal as unverified unless supported by a direct statement from him.
By Petrus Obi, London
London — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has intensified his criticism of the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the people of the state deserve a different approach to governance.
Odii, who spoke with EverydayNewsngr.net in London, said what he described as the “fire brigade approach” of the Nwifuru administration was not the kind of governance Ebonyi needs.
According to him, the state requires a government with a clear vision, long-term planning and the capacity to deliver meaningful development to its people.
“The fire brigade approach of the Nwifuru government is not what the state needs,” Odii said.
He added: “I am coming to bring a new lease of life to my people.”
Odii’s comments come amid renewed political debate in Ebonyi State following the recent removal of the state Commissioner for Works. The development has attracted attention from opposition circles, with critics using it to question aspects of the administration’s handling of governance and infrastructure.
The PDP chieftain said the people of Ebonyi should expect more than what he described as reactive governance, arguing that development should be driven by a coherent programme capable of producing lasting results.
He maintained that his political ambition was motivated by a desire to provide what he described as purposeful leadership and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
“We deserve better government in Ebonyi State,” Odii said, stressing that his vision was centred on giving the people renewed confidence in government and creating opportunities for them to prosper.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, governance, infrastructure, accountability and the delivery of public services are expected to feature prominently in the emerging contest.
Odii’s intervention in London is likely to add further momentum to the political conversation, particularly as opposition figures seek to distinguish their vision for Ebonyi from that of the incumbent administration.
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