PDP Warns Members Against Endorsing Tinubu Amidst Rising Defections

Strategic Insights -

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has issued a warning to its members not to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, citing anti-party activities that threaten the party's electoral fortune. Despite this warning, the number of PDP members endorsing the President continues to rise, with several high-ranking officials, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and former governor of Ekiti State Ayo Fayose, publicly expressing their support for Tinubu. The PDP has planned its national convention for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, and has charged all members to remain loyal and focused on working towards the party's success.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP's National Working Committee has warned its members not to endorse President Tinubu for a second term, citing anti-party activities that threaten the party's electoral fortune.
  • Despite the warning, several high-ranking PDP officials have publicly expressed their support for Tinubu, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
  • The PDP has cited several constitutional provisions, including Section 10 (6), which states that no member of the party shall align with other parties or groups to undermine the party or any of its elected governments.
  • Several PDP leaders, including former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, have called for the party to sanction erring members for anti-party activities, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, who worked against the party during the 2023 general election.
  • The upcoming bye-election in Ogun State and the 2026 governorship election in Osun State may expose candidates to unusual political intrigues and schemes that would scuttle their ambition.
  • Several PDP members have ended up endorsing Tinubu due to survival strategies adopted by the endorsers to retain their positions.

Statistics:

  • At least 5 PDP members have endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
  • The PDP has lost three Senators who defected to the APC several months ago.
  • The party has scheduled its national convention for November 15-16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Sources:

  • THEWILL
  • PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba
  • Sule Lamido, former Jigawa State governor
  • National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party