ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared war on its own members accused of openly working against the party’s interest by endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the opposition party, in a strongly worded statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said it has reviewed “persistent public media outbursts” and endorsements of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate by prominent PDP figures.
Ologunagba stressed that such actions constitute serious anti-party activities and violate the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), particularly Section 10 (6), which states:
> “No member of the Party shall align with other parties or groups to undermine the Party or any of its elected government.”
“These reckless public declarations of support and willingness to work for the APC in the 2027 presidential election are a direct threat to the stability, unity, and electoral fortunes of our party,” Ologunagba warned.
The PDP spokesman lamented that the activities of these members have deepened internal divisions, fueled disaffection, and caused “heavy hemorrhaging” of members — a situation that could cripple the party’s chances in future elections if left unchecked.
A familiar Nigerian political drama
This is not the first time the PDP has faced internal sabotage. In the run-up to the 2015 general elections, similar cracks emerged when some sitting governors and top party leaders defected to the then-opposition APC, a move that many analysts believe contributed to PDP’s historic loss of the presidency after 16 years in power.
Likewise, in 2023, the party’s internal wranglings — most notably the G5 governors’ rebellion — cost it critical votes in the presidential race. Observers say the new wave of endorsements for Tinubu could be history repeating itself, unless the leadership acts decisively.
Disciplinary measures on the horizon
Party insiders reveal that the NWC is compiling a list of offenders for disciplinary action that could range from suspension to outright expulsion. The leadership is reportedly determined to send a strong message that political indiscipline will not be tolerated, even as Nigeria inches closer to another potentially explosive general election.
The bigger picture
Analysts note that the 2027 election season has begun far earlier than usual, with endorsements and political alignments already heating up. The PDP’s aggressive stance, they say, is a survival strategy in a political culture where loyalty is often traded for influence, personal gain, or proximity to power.
For now, the party’s future unity — and its ability to mount a serious challenge against the ruling APC — may hinge on whether this crackdown strengthens discipline or deepens the internal fractures it seeks to heal.
Tags
News