The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, Emmanuel Ogidi, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to destabilise the southern region as part of its 2027 election strategy.
Ogidi, who spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, alleged that the APC’s recent moves were aimed at weakening the PDP in its strongest base but insisted the ruling party’s plans had already “failed”.
“APC have been running towards the South because they want to destabilise the South; they are trying to weaken us in the South, but they failed,” he declared.
The warning comes amid growing concerns within the PDP over high-profile defections and the open support of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Ogidi vowed that the party would enforce discipline against any member engaged in anti-party activities, stressing that no political organisation could succeed without internal order.
“We are watching our members, and of course, any party that does not have discipline cannot succeed. We will discipline any erring members,” he said.
On defections, including that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-lawmaker Dino Melaye to the ADC coalition, Ogidi said the PDP remained open to reconciliation but would not tolerate deliberate acts of sabotage.
“We are in reconciliation. If it doesn’t work, then we are going to apply the big stick. As for those who have left, our doors are always open. At the time they left, many were unsure of the party’s direction, but now we are more certain, and I believe they will return,” he noted.
He further clarified that the PDP’s focus was not on personalities but on restoring credibility after years of internal crises.
“This is the People’s Democratic Party. We don’t headhunt for candidates; our doors are open for those who wish to come in. For now, our pursuit is not about the candidate but about regaining the confidence of Nigerians. PDP is not owned by any individual; it belongs to the people,” Ogidi said.
Recall that on Monday, THE WHISTLER reported that the PDP zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining the national chairmanship in the North—an arrangement party leaders described as a stabilising measure ahead of the elections.
The APC has already endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, setting the stage for a fierce contest as the two dominant parties position themselves for 2027.
