The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing to initiate a sweeping restructuring of its South-South zonal and state leadership as part of an aggressive response to the recent defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress (APC)..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Sources within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the party is finalizing plans to “flush out disloyal elements” from its ranks and consolidate its base ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The party is clearly displeased,” the NWC member said. “This will not be business as usual. When the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, left, the NWC met and resolved to challenge their defection in court. That process is ongoing. As for Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who defected on Saturday, the party will act after the Sallah break.”
“These defections damage the party’s internal structure because most of these leaders have their loyalists occupying key positions at state and zonal levels,” the source added. “The party must now clean the house. We will overhaul the South-South leadership to ensure only committed members remain in charge. No more space for political opportunists who will jump ship at the slightest discomfort.”
Governor Umo Eno formally announced his defection to the APC on Friday, June 6, during a ceremony at the Akwa Ibom Government House in Uyo. The event was witnessed by APC governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo), along with Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” Governor Eno declared at the event.
His decision followed months of political speculation and behind-the-scenes talks, culminating in one of the most high-profile defections in the South-South.
The PDP has been grappling with growing internal dissent since its defeat in the 2023 general elections and has continued to lose prominent members to the ruling party.
Party insiders say the coming weeks will see an assertive shake-up across PDP strongholds, beginning with the South-South zone, once considered the bedrock of the party.
With Akwa Ibom’s departure, only Bayelsa and Rivers remain under PDP control in the region… CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>