PDP’s South-South Chairman Warns Against Anti-Party Acts Ahead of 2027 Elections
Party Discipline to Be Enforced as 2027 Elections Loom
Emmanuel Ogidi, Chairman of the South-South caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stern warning to party members engaging in anti-party activities, stressing that the party will not hesitate to impose disciplinary measures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an appearance on The Morning Brief, a current affairs program aired on Channels Television, Ogidi emphasized that discipline would be a non-negotiable priority for the party as it works to restore internal cohesion and public trust following years of crisis and internal defections.
“Any political party that lacks discipline cannot succeed. The PDP will take decisive action against any member undermining the party’s goals,” Ogidi stated.
PDP Denies APC Influence on Presidential Zoning Decision
Addressing speculation surrounding the zoning of the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South. Ogidi dismissed suggestions that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) played any role in influencing the decision. He reiterated that the zoning move was made independently by party leadership. As part of a broader strategy to stabilize the party ahead of the next election cycle.
“We didn’t take that decision because of the APC. It was an internal strategic move to balance the party and unite our base,” he added.
Wike and Pro-Tinubu PDP Members “Being Watched”
When asked about prominent PDP figures such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has openly expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogidi was clear. He pointed out that the party is monitoring such activities and will discipline members who cross the line.
“We’re aware of who is doing what, and we are watching. The PDP will not tolerate actions that weaken the party. We have rules, and anyone who violates them will face consequences,” he said.
Wike’s vocal endorsement of Tinubu has stirred internal tension. Particularly, it’s given his status as a high-profile PDP member serving in a ruling-party-led federal cabinet.
Rebuilding the PDP: Focus on Structure, Not Just Candidates
Ogidi further clarified that the party’s current focus is not on presidential candidates. It is on rebuilding party unity and regaining public confidence.
“This is the People’s Democratic Party. We don’t build around personalities—we build around the people,” he said.
“At this point, we’re not headhunting for candidates. We’re focused on restoring the party’s image and reconnecting with Nigerians.”
He acknowledged that the party had suffered significant internal conflict in recent years, including disputes over the national secretary position and power struggles within the national leadership.
Defections and Reconciliation: PDP Keeps Door Open
Recent high-profile defections such as those of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former senator Dino Melaye, both of whom joined the emerging ADC-led opposition coalition—Ogidi said the PDP remains committed to reconciliation but would no longer tolerate deliberate sabotage.
“We are engaging in reconciliation efforts, and we welcome back those who left. Many departed at a time when our future looked uncertain. Now that the direction is clearer, we believe some of them will return,” he said.
“But if reconciliation fails and sabotage continues, we will apply the big stick.”
Zoning Strategy Ahead of 2027: PDP Moves Presidential Ticket South
In a key strategic decision, the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) officially zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South while keeping the national chairmanship in the North. This move was reportedly aimed at creating a sense of balance and inclusion within the party. It also aimed at positioning the PDP as a strong contender against the APC.
Political analysts see this as a response to the APC’s early endorsement of President Bola Tinubu as its candidate for 2027. The PDP’s zoning decision now sets the stage for a North-South political face-off, a pattern familiar in Nigerian electoral politics.
Final Thoughts: PDP at a Crossroads
The PDP’s current trajectory reveals a party working to reassert itself on the national stage amid fierce competition, internal wrangling, and a fast-approaching election cycle. With discipline enforcement, structural rebuilding, and strategic zoning, the party hopes to reposition itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Whether efforts at reconciliation and realignment will succeed remains to be seen. PDP intends to tighten internal control, retain strategic relevance, and challenge the ruling APC more aggressively in the coming years.
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