PDP governors set for emergency meeting in Abuja after wave of defections

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are expected to converge in Abuja on Sunday for an emergency meeting, as the party grapples with a fresh wave of high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources close to the matter confirmed that the meeting is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, barring any last-minute changes.

The crisis rocking the main opposition party deepened on April 23 when Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in the state, defected to the APC.

Their move came shortly after PDP governors held a strategic meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they distanced themselves from any coalition efforts linked to former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The wave of defections has since spread, with all three PDP senators from Kebbi State reportedly finalizing their switch to the APC.

Party insiders suggest Sunday’s emergency meeting will focus on charting a unified course forward, salvaging what remains of the party’s cohesion, and addressing growing concerns over the future of the PDP’s leadership.

The meeting may also deliberate on the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) gathering scheduled for May 27, which is expected to be critical in redefining the party’s direction.

Observers say the outcome of Sunday’s meeting could determine whether the PDP can rebound or continue its slide toward political irrelevance in the lead-up to 2027.