By Charles Pemu 
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to unleash a sweeping overhaul of its South-South zonal and state structures, declaring a ruthless war on disloyal members in a desperate bid to stem a crippling wave of defections. The move, described by a National Working Committee (NWC) source as a direct response to “clearly displeasing” betrayals, aims to cleanse the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This will not be business as usual. The party must now clean the house,” an NWC member revealed, underscoring the PDP’s resolve. The drastic measure follows the recent high-profile exits of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and most recently, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno. The party has already initiated legal action against the Delta defectors and vows swift post-Sallah action against others.
The mass exodus, particularly of sitting governors, has severely bruised the PDP’s image and weakened its electoral base. The party believes these defections are strategically damaging, as departing leaders often pull loyalists occupying key state and zonal positions. The impending purge is designed to ensure only “committed members remain in charge,” leaving “no more space for political opportunists who will jump ship at the slightest discomfort.”
Timothy Osadolor, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, echoed the party’s simmering rage, openly urging disloyal members to leave quickly. He lambasted defectors as “political merchants chasing personal gains,” and “overhyped figures” lacking integrity, particularly criticizing Governor Eno, a cleric, for allegedly prioritizing political survival over public welfare.
This aggressive internal cleansing marks a high-stakes gamble for the PDP. While aiming to restore cohesion and focus on rebuilding, the drastic purge risks further fracturing a party already reeling from post-2023 turbulence. The coming months will reveal if this bold move strengthens the PDP’s core or inadvertently pushes more members into the waiting arms of the ruling All Progressives Congress.