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PDP Calls Emergency Session as Top Members Flee to APC

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned its National Working Committee (NWC) for an urgent gathering on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Abuja. The emergency meeting comes in the wake of a string of high-ranking defections that threaten to weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Over the past fortnight, the PDP has lost several key figures in rapid succession:

Ifeanyi Okowa, former vice-presidential candidate.
Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, alongside the entire PDP leadership in that state.
Oluwole Oke, five-term member of the House of Representatives from Osun State.

Delta State—once a PDP stronghold—has now seen its governors, senators and local council chairpersons decamp to rival parties. Political analysts warn that the party’s diminished numbers in the National Assembly could undermine its legislative influence and funding streams.

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According to an exclusive copy of the invitation obtained by The PUNCH, acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo has formally requested all NWC members and cabinet secretaries to attend:

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 12:00 noon (prompt)
Venue: NWC Hall, Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat, Abuja

The agenda encompasses:

Analysis of recent defections and identification of root causes
Recommendations from the PDP Governors Forum
Preparation for upcoming Congresses and the National Elective Convention
Strategic repositioning in anticipation of the 2027 polls

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A senior party insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that halting the exodus will require both political incentives and stronger internal discipline.

The PDP’s leadership vacuum has exacerbated the crisis. Since former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu stepped down, factions have clashed over his successor:

Umar Damagum, Acting National Chairman, has faced criticism for failing to prevent defections.
Setonji Koshoedo, appointed National Secretary by the Governors Forum, issued the emergency meeting notice.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reinstated as National Secretary by the Supreme Court on March 21, 2025, insists he will attend and insists judicial intervention in internal disputes was inappropriate.

“We will do our best to ensure that peace reigns in the PDP and that the party is preserved,” Anyanwu stated, pledging cooperation despite ongoing tussles.

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Observers note that unresolved disputes over the Secretary position have paralyzed decision-making and weakened the party’s ability to present a united front.

Sources say the NWC will consider several counter-defection strategies:

Re-engagement tours for disaffected governors and lawmakers
Incentive packages—including committee appointments and funding guarantees
Conflict-resolution committees to address local grievances
Strengthened anti-defection clauses in the party constitution

One NWC official admitted, “There is nothing the PDP can do to stop those determined to leave—unless you can meet all their demands or shield them from anti-graft probes.” Nonetheless, party strategists hope a blend of carrots and sticks will slow the bleeding.

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The PDP’s ability to retain its traditional bases in the South-South and South-West will be critical. Key considerations include:

Legislative strength: Loss of National Assembly seats may cost the PDP influence over budget and appointments.
State government control: Defections in Delta State could embolden rival parties in other southern states.
National unity: Prolonged leadership disputes risk alienating grassroots members and donors.

Political analyst Dr. Ifedayo Ogunleye says, “The PDP must demonstrate internal cohesion before it can credibly challenge for the presidency in 2027. Otherwise, it risks ceding ground to a more unified opposition.”

With the emergency NWC meeting set for April 29, all eyes will be on which strategies the PDP adopts to plug the leaks. Key outcomes to watch:

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Reconciliation initiatives led by senior party elders
Official response to the Supreme Court’s National Secretary ruling
Concrete plans for the 2025 Congresses and 2026 National Executive Convention
Messaging discipline to reassure the electorate and investors

As the clock ticks towards 2027 polls, the PDP’s survival—and its prospects of reclaiming power—hinge on swift, decisive action at Tuesday’s session. Failure to stem the tide of defections may consign the party to opposition status for the foreseeable future.

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Politics

Tinubu Administration Cannot Be Trusted With State Police, Says PRP

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The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has raised concerns over plans by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to establish state police through a constitutional amendment.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the opposition party said the Tinubu administration’s credibility and competence were at an unprecedented low in Nigeria’s democratic history.

The party acknowledged the need for a major review and overhaul of Nigeria’s security, law and order institutions to address insecurity and strengthen citizens’ confidence in leaders and critical institutions.

However, it argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration lacked the moral standing and public trust required to undertake a major restructuring of the country’s policing system.

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“Going by precedent and record, this administration will almost certainly secure what is needed to amend the constitution and actualize its desire to establish State Police,” the statement said.

“While Nigeria needs major review and overhaul of its security and law and order institutions to address national security and create an environment that should raise citizens’ confidence and faith in leaders and critical institutions, this administration lacks the moral assets and the trust of Nigerians to undertake a major shift in the policing structure of the country.

“The APC administration has failed to manage our security structure and institutions. Its plan to engineer the emergence of State Police is suspicious and it should be rejected.”

The PRP said the forthcoming election should serve as a test of credibility and popular acceptance before the country takes decisions on major issues such as the creation of state police.

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It also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure citizens and bring an end to the insecurity facing the country.

President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday transmitted to the Senate a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police services across the federation. The upper chamber passed the bill on Wednesday.

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Peter Obi advises Tinubu to consider quitting like UK PM

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The Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning his position, having failed woefully in discharging most of his campaign promises. And having failed to improve the standard of living of the citizens.

Reacting to the announcement of the British Prime Minister’s resignation, which is not unconnected with the complaints of British citizens about their deteriorating standard of living under his watch, Obi, in a tweet he titled “owning up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility”, advised Tinubu to emulate the British PM and save the country from the worsening economic situation.

Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer said, “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

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“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

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“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible”

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Politics

Enugu North by-election: APC candidate emerges winner

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Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has emerged the winner of the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.

Asogwa polled 162,360 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Nestor Ezeme of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who scored 9,299 votes.

The by-election was conducted to replace late Senator Okey Ezea, who was representing the district at the time he died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62.

Announcing the result on Sunday in Nsukka, the Returning Officer of the election, Prof Christian Ezeibe, the Dean, Department of Students Affairs at University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, said Asogwa scored the highest votes in the election to emerge the winner.

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“Asogwa having satisfied the requirements of the law in this election is hereby declared the winner and is returned.

“I thank you all for your cooperation, support and maturity that made the by-election a success,” he said.

According to Ezeibe, the number of registered voters in Enugu North Senatorial District was 727, 340 while 184,094 were accredited in the election.

A breakdown of the result scored by five other candidates showed that Chika Idoko Emmanuel of the African Democratic Party, ADC, polled 1,676 votes while Kingsley Aneke of Boot Party, BP, got 1607 votes.

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Other candidates are Ejike Simon Eze of Labour Party, LP, 1,027 votes, OssElias Okwudiri Ossai of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, 3,129 votes and Charles Ugochukwu of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, 667 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Asogwa, the senator elect, said the outcome reflected the overwhelming support of the residents of the six local government areas that made up the Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

He promised to give the senatorial zone quality and effective representation to justify the massive support and confidence residents had expressed through their votes.

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