PDP warns defecting members flirting with opposition coalition, says it is monitoring actions and will take decisive steps to protect party unity and strength
PDP warns defecting members of the party’s intent to take decisive action, following reports of alliances with a new political coalition.
Also read: David Mark PDP Resignation Shocks Party as Leadership Crisis Deepens Nationwide
Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, issued the cautionary message on Wednesday after the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Damagum, who addressed journalists alongside senior party officials, said the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party is aware of moves by some members to align with the new ADC-led coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that the party would not tolerate disloyalty or attempts to demarket its image.
“We want to re-emphasise that if you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, you must act like one. We are drawing a line against those who go out to demarket the party. We are watching them, and we will take appropriate actions at the right time,” Damagum said.
He insisted that the PDP remains the most experienced and accommodating political party in Nigeria, with a track record of internal democracy and conflict resolution.
“To those contemplating leaving, they should know there is no place like home. No other party will accommodate or protect your interest the way PDP has done. If they feel otherwise, we wish them luck. But I am confident many of them will soon be running back,” he added.
According to Damagum, the PDP is more united than ever before despite recent internal tensions.
He confirmed that the party has resolved many of its internal issues and will go ahead with its scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting later in the month.
“We remain united despite all challenges. We sat down today to address and resolve all thorny issues. The NEC meeting scheduled for the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of this month will proceed as planned. Our members should be assured that their party is intact,” he assured.
PDP warns defecting members not just over loyalty, but also about the dangers of aligning with what it described as unstable and opportunistic coalitions.
The party believes that its legacy and national reach make it a more viable political platform than newly formed alliances.
The acting chairman also took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of orchestrating a political “buy-over” of opposition members in a desperate bid to maintain power.
“To the APC, continue harassing and buying our members. But know this: the 2027 election is not between the APC and PDP alone. It is between Nigerians and the APC. The hunger, insecurity, and arbitrary extortion of citizens is overwhelming,” Damagum declared.
He described the APC’s governance as disconnected from the people, urging the ruling party to address Nigeria’s growing economic hardship and rising insecurity rather than undermining opposition parties.
“This is a democracy. People deserve to be heard. Nigerians are not conquered people. Policies must be people-oriented and not designed to benefit a select few. The PDP will continue to speak for the people and defend the democratic space,” he said.
As PDP warns defecting members, the statement reflects growing tension within Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as realignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
With major political figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar endorsing a new coalition movement, the PDP leadership appears focused on maintaining unity and asserting its dominance as the primary opposition force.
Also read: PDP Crisis Deepens as Factions Hold Parallel Meetings Amid Police Siege
Whether this warning curbs defection or ignites further political drama remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for 2027 has already begun.
