ABUJA, NIGERIA – In what may signal a defining moment for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), several high-profile figures, including governors, former governors, and key stakeholders, are currently engaged in a closed-door meeting in Abuja. The emergency gathering comes amid swirling rumours of possible defections and internal rifts threatening to destabilize Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The meeting, convened under the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), is being held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in the Federal Capital Territory and is being chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also serves as the forum’s chairman.
🧩 Context: Growing Tensions Within the PDP
Sources close to the party say the meeting is a response to escalating concerns over:
- Persistent leadership crisis
- Imminent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27
- Speculations of defection by some influential figures to rival parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
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This emergency session aims to unify internal factions and build consensus ahead of the NEC meeting, where crucial decisions are expected to shape the party’s future direction.
👥 Who Is at the Meeting?
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the following governors were physically present:
- Peter Mbah (Enugu State)
- Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State)
- Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State)
- Agbu Kefas (Taraba State)
- Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa State)
- Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
- Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
Other influential PDP stakeholders in attendance include:
- Sen. Bukola Saraki, former Senate President
- Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, former Kaduna State governor and BoT secretary
- Umar Damagum, acting PDP National Chairman
- Umar Bature, National Organising Secretary
- Kamaldeen Ajibade, National Legal Adviser
🚨 Wike Arrives Amidst Defection Allegations
One of the most notable arrivals was Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who joined the meeting at approximately 9:25 p.m.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in the party’s internal crisis, has recently been the subject of defection rumours, especially after his growing ties with APC-led federal authorities.
Also in attendance were:
- Sen. Aminu Tambuwal
- Sule Lamido
- Okezie Ikpeazu
- Samuel Ortom
- Gabriel Suswam
- Seriake Dickson
- Liyel Imoke
- Achike Udenwa
- Olagunsoye Oyinlola
- Adamu Muazu
- Idris Wada
This broad mix of current and former governors adds political weight to the ongoing consultations.
📝 Agenda of the Meeting
While details remain closely guarded, insider sources suggest the following topics dominate the agenda:
- Stabilizing PDP’s national leadership
- Resolutions ahead of the NEC meeting on May 27
- Formulating a response to APC’s influence at the federal level
- Strategizing to strengthen PDP’s base ahead of upcoming elections
- Managing internal disagreements and aligning 2027 presidential ambitions
🗣️ What Analysts Are Saying
Political analysts describe this meeting as “make or break” for the PDP. With APC consolidating its grip on power and Labour Party rising among younger demographics, the PDP faces a crossroads moment.
“The presence of Wike, Tambuwal, Saraki, and Bala Mohammed in the same room is a significant political signal. Whatever decision emerges will likely shape the PDP’s future cohesion and influence,” said political analyst Dr. Uche Okafor.
🔍 Why This Meeting Matters
- Unity and strategy: A divided opposition cannot effectively challenge the APC in 2027.
- Defection threats: If key figures like Wike or Makinde switch allegiances, it may cause a domino effect within PDP ranks.
- NEC decisions: The upcoming National Executive Committee meeting could redefine leadership roles and determine the 2027 presidential ticket roadmap.
📸 Visuals Expected
While the meeting remains closed-door, party sources indicate that a communiqué or press briefing may be released in the early hours of the following day.
🧾 What you should know
As political realignments loom, tonight’s PDP meeting in Abuja may either reinforce the opposition party’s unity or widen existing fault lines. The coming days, particularly the May 27 NEC meeting, will be crucial in determining whether the PDP emerges stronger or further fragmented.
Stay with us for real-time updates, statements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes developments from this unfolding political event.
