The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to take legal action in response to the recent defections of top party figures in Delta State, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP described the defections as both a betrayal and an opportunity for renewal.
The decision was revealed following a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Tuesday, where PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, stated that the party had instructed its National Legal Adviser to reclaim what he called stolen mandates.
According to the Electoral Act, any politician who defects from the party under which they were elected must vacate their seat, Damagum asserted.
Despite acknowledging the blow, he insisted the PDP remains resilient:
No amount of intimidation or mischief can bring down this party. We’ve weathered worse, this is nothing new.
As part of its restructuring efforts, the PDP dissolved all former party structures in Delta State. It appointed a South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, led by Mr. Emma Ogidi, to oversee the state’s affairs.
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Ogidi noted: Our job is to assess what remains, reassure our members, and recruit credible individuals for the caretaker committee. This came as a shock, but we’re moving forward.
PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Ebere Wabara, also weighed in, predicting internal turmoil within the APC:
The defections might be a blessing in disguise. The APC has taken in too many factions. It’s only a matter of time before it implodes.
Meanwhile, Senator Okowa confirmed he consulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar before leaving the PDP. He dismissed claims that his departure was driven by pressure from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying, There was no persecution. My decision was purely political and in the interest of Delta State and Nigeria.
Looking ahead, the PDP announced its National Executive Committee (NEC) will meet on May 27, 2025. A national convention is planned for August 28–30, where a new leadership will be elected.
Ambassador Damagum concluded with a rallying call: We are reorganizing and heading to court. 2027 is not far, Nigerians will have their say on the hardship imposed by this ruling party.”
