This comes after the dissolution of all former structures, which the party said were rendered vacant by the defections.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to challenge the recent wave of defections from its Delta State chapter in court, describing the situation as a painful betrayal but also a “blessing in disguise.”
This move follows the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor and 2023 Vice-Presidential candidate Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and virtually the entire state party structure to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Tuesday, PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, announced the party’s decision to reclaim what it described as stolen mandates through legal means.
“We have instructed our National Legal Adviser to recover our mandate that they have taken away,” Damagum said.
“As far as the Electoral Act is concerned, whenever you leave a party, you must vacate the seat you occupied under that platform.”
While admitting the defections struck the party hard, Damagum maintained that the PDP remains strong and united.
“No amount of intimidation or mischief can bring down this party. It has survived all sorts of machinations in the past, and this one is just child’s play,” he said.
The party also announced that its South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, led by Mr. Emma Ogidi, has been assigned to oversee affairs in Delta State.
This comes after the dissolution of all former structures, which the party said were rendered vacant by the defections.
Mr. Ogidi told stated, “We have been given the assignment to oversee Delta State. Our job is to go there, take stock of what is left, address members, give them confidence, and head-hunt credible individuals to serve in the caretaker committee. What happened to us was a great blow; we didn’t expect it.”
The PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Ebere Wabara, also addressed the situation, expressing confidence that the APC would eventually “implode” under the weight of its own contradictions.
“There is no cause for alarm,” Wabara said. “The defections may just be a blessing in disguise. The APC has absorbed so many elements that it will soon face its own internal crisis. It’s only a matter of time.”
Meanwhile, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, addressing reporters separately on Tuesday, confirmed that he consulted with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar before leaving the PDP.
He dismissed reports that his decision was motivated by pressure from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying, “There was no hounding or persecution. My decision was based on political alignment and what I believe is best for my state and the country.”
The PDP also announced that its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting is scheduled for May 27, 2025, and proposed to hold a national convention between August 28 and 30, where a new leadership is expected to emerge.
Ambassador Damagum urged supporters to remain resolute.
“We are going to court, we are reorganizing, and we are preparing for the future. 2027 is not far, and Nigerians will speak again — loud and clear — against the hardship this ruling party has imposed on them.”
