Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has declared that no individual is greater than the Peoples Democratic Party, amid the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the opposition party.

Speaking on Thursday after the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, Diri stressed that the party’s challenges and their resolutions remain internal matters.

“The PDP must sit back and address its internal issues and challenges. Only then can we stand up and compete with others. We are the oldest political party in Nigeria, so we have no reason to blame outsiders,” he said.

Diri’s remarks come as the party grapples with internal divisions, particularly regarding the leadership of the National Secretary position, which the Appeal Court in Enugu recently ruled in favour of Sunday Ude-Okoye.

The crisis within the party has intensified, leading to divisions within its key structures, including the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, and the National Executive Committee.

The situation is particularly tense in the South-South, where a recent zonal congress held on February 22 without the governors’ input has deepened the rift.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on some PDP governors, accusing them of undermining the party’s survival.

“This is a set of governors that want PDP to die. Their only interest is to kill the PDP,” Wike said on Wednesday while addressing journalists on the crisis within the party.

Diri, however, insisted that the PDP must resolve its internal problems, emphasizing that no individual is bigger than the party.

“We have to look inward. If you listen to the BOT chairman, we must first fix our own problems. It is easy to point fingers, but what is happening within us?

“For me, I want the PDP to be competitive. We must resolve our challenges because, once we do that, there can be no one person bigger than the party,” he added.

Diri described the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee as a step forward but admitted that the party was still in the process of rebuilding.

“I wouldn’t say the party has been fully restored, but in our zone, the South-South, you will agree with me that it is the only zone where we have four PDP governors. We have all resolved to stand together.

“The Deputy Governor of Delta is here. I have just received messages from the governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers. So, it’s clear that we are united. If we are united, what we will do is show leadership and work with the zonal committee so that our zone will be safe again for the PDP,” he added.

Meanwhile, the newly inaugurated South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, assured party members that the committee would carry out its responsibilities impartially, without bias or fear.

Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari has denied reports making the rounds that he has plans to dump APC for SDP.

This is coming barely 48hours after the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, disclosed that he got Buhari’s approval before dumping the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

However, Garba Shehu, in a statement on Thursday said that Buhari would not leave a party that helped him secure two terms as president.

According to Buhari, he has nothing but gratitude for the support that the party gave him before and during his tenure as president.

The statement reads: “Without referring to any individual, a cast of characters, or issues, principles and ideals currently being discussed by party leaders at various levels, the former president, Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated what he said times without number that he is member of the All Progressives Congress, APC and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party.

“He says he wants to leave no one in doubt that he would never turn his back to the party that gave him two terms of office and would do whatever he can to popularize it. “I am an APC member and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means.”

“He went on to add that at present, he has nothing but gratitude for the support that the party gave him before and during his tenure as president, which he considers as the highest honor, and would never ask for anything more.

“He further stated that the pains taken by the founding fathers to establish a strong party to protect our constitution, and democracy as a system of government are worthy sacrifices that should be cherished and nurtured.”

Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly, elected on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defecting lawmakers are: Hon. Donald Okugbe (Akoko-Edo Constituency II – PDP), Hon. Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon Constituency II – LP), Hon. Richard Edosa (Oredo West – PDP) and Hon. Sunday Ojiezele (Esan South East – PDP).

They pledged their commitment to working with the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration, to drive development in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Richard Edosa cited internal divisions within their former parties as the primary reason for their decision.

“There are divisions in the PDP from the national level down to the state, local government, and ward levels. The party that gave us the platform to win the election also created the atmosphere that made us leave. We believe in unity and progress, and that is what the APC represents.”

He further expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Okpebholo, stating:

“We believe in the governor’s vision for Edo State, as well as the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. That is why we have decided to join forces with the APC to move Edo forward. We promise to work together with the governor and the party to build a new Edo State.”

With this defection, the APC has now gained a majority in the Edo State House of Assembly. The Minority Leader, Hon. Eric Okaka (APC – Owan East), commended the lawmakers for their bold decision, attributing it to Governor Okpebholo’s performance and leadership style.

“Before now, we were in the minority, but with this defection, we are now the majority in the House. We will work closely with the governor to ensure Edo State experiences rapid development for the benefit of our people.”

The Chairman of APC in Edo State, Emperor Jaret Tenebe, officially received the lawmakers at the party secretariat, presenting them with the party’s symbol. He assured them of equal treatment within the party and hailed their defection as a strong endorsement of Governor Okpebholo’s administration.

“These lawmakers bring a wealth of experience and have recognized that the APC is the party of progress. They have seen the clarity of Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Edo people.”

He reiterated the party’s commitment to economic growth, education, social harmony, and security in the state.

With the APC now holding a majority in the state assembly, the defectors’ move is expected to strengthen Governor Okpebholo’s legislative support and influence the upcoming political landscape in Edo State.