The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly criticized the recent defection of several governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing their actions to traits of greed, avarice, and selfishness. The party emphasized that it is the Nigerian populace, not individual politicians, who will determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
Following the 2023 general election, four sitting governors—Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa—defected from the PDP to the APC. The party also saw the departure of its 2023 presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, along with several key allies.
In a recent interview on Arise Television, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi dismissed the defections as products of greed. He questioned the rationale behind a governor, particularly one serving a second term like in Bayelsa, abandoning the party that facilitated their election.
Abdullahi stated, “To the best of my knowledge and that of most Nigerians, you cannot find a compelling reason for a governor, especially one on a second term like in Bayelsa, to abandon the party that produced him. You can’t find any justifiable reason other than covetousness, greed, and avarice.”
He added that despite internal challenges, the PDP remains a credible opposition party. “Our party is in good stead. We have internal issues like every other political party, but we have addressed the major ones that could have afflicted our ability to serve as a credible opposition as we journey towards 2027,” Abdullahi said.
However, the Special Adviser to Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, Dan Nwomeh, described the PDP’s reaction as “understandable but misplaced.” Nwomeh explained, “The governor has made adequate explanation on why he left the PDP; it’s all contained in his speech. We understand the PDP won’t be happy, but we can’t help it. We can’t remain in a party where our voice doesn’t count. If you leave the PDP, they will find something to say, that’s politics.”
Abdullahi emphasized that the party is not distracted by the defections, noting that its priority is the forthcoming national convention in Ibadan. He stated, “These few elements are driven by self-greed and the coercion and temptation of the ruling party. Other than that, there’s no reason for their action. To the PDP, it’s good riddance to bad rubbish.”
He said the departure of such figures offers the party an opportunity to “weed out terrible elements” ahead of the convention. “Many Nigerians have been asking what could have prompted these defections because the PDP remains in good stead. There’s no rationale other than selfishness and greed,” Abdullahi added.
He insisted that the defection of a few governors does not define the party’s fate. “It’s not about PDP or APC anymore; it’s APC versus Nigerians. Let them do whatever they can, we’ve seen worse temptations than this,” he said.
Abdullahi dismissed claims by Governor Mbah that the South East has been marginalized within the PDP despite supporting the party for 27 years. The PDP Chieftain further stated, “This is the same party that produced five Senate Presidents from the South East. Each of the states in the region produced a Senate President at one point. They also produced ministers in very notable ministries.”
He added, “There was a time the PDP empowered the South East to the point where names like Okonjo-Iweala emerged globally. So, what exactly is he talking about?” Abdullahi questioned Mbah’s participation in party activities, noting, “For four years that I have been in the PDP, I haven’t seen Peter Mbah attend any NEC or major party meeting in Abuja.”
He added, “If you claim the PDP has not provided leadership, as a governor you are the custodian of that leadership in your state. So, if leadership is lacking, it’s an admission of failure on your part.” Abdullahi also took a swipe at former Enugu governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, accusing him of diminishing his political stature. “It’s disappointing that a former governor and former member of the National Assembly has reduced himself to a personal assistant, literally carrying bags for a sitting minister. That’s shameless,” he said.
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