PDP at the Brink: Saraki Leads Political Firefighting Mission as Party Bleeds Members
By: IDNN News Desk
With high-profile defections rocking its base, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has activated a full-scale political emergency response — and former Senate President Bukola Saraki is now the man at the helm.
Saraki chairs a seven-member high-command tasked with:
-
Stopping further defections,
-
Resolving the National Secretary power tussle, and
-
Healing South-South fractures caused by the Wike-Fubara faceoff.
“This is no longer about committees — it’s about saving what’s left before 2027 is lost,” said a senior party source.
What’s Fueling the Crisis?
Since 2023, PDP has been on a downward spiral:
-
Governors like Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Ifeanyi Okowa have defected to APC.
-
Rivers’ implosion deepened with Wike-Fubara fallout.
-
A leadership vacuum emerged in the South-East.
-
The National Secretary seat has been a game of political ping-pong since December 2024.
Despite efforts by the NWC, NEC, BoT, and Governors Forum, the party remains fragmented — prompting this firefighting reboot.
Who’s in Saraki’s Inner Circle?
The PDP Strategic Committee includes:
-
Dauda Lawal (Zamfara Governor)
-
Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau Governor)
-
Peter Mbah (Enugu Governor)
-
Seriake Dickson (Ex-Bayelsa Governor)
-
Ibrahim Dankwambo (Ex-Gombe Governor)
-
Okezie Ikpeazu (Ex-Abia Governor)
Behind closed doors Monday, Saraki met with acting PDP chairman Amb. Iliya Damagum, NWC members, and legal advisers to chart a defection-proof strategy.
“It’s the first time governors and ex-governors have sat down this bluntly,” one insider said.
Wike Defends Himself — “Bring Evidence or Back Off”
During the high-stakes meeting, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reportedly defended his role in the party, denying anti-party activities.
“I never worked against the PDP. I told the party I wouldn’t support Atiku — and I delivered every other PDP candidate in Rivers,” he said.
Wike challenged anyone with proof of wrongdoing to present it, denying claims that he pledged to deliver FCT to APC in 2027.
National Secretary Tension: Anyanwu or Koshoedo?
The National Secretary saga remains volatile:
-
Samuel Anyanwu, backed by Wike’s camp, claims he’s fully reinstated.
-
But the NWC says Setonji Koshoedo is still acting secretary.
-
Both signed conflicting INEC documents on the Anambra guber nomination.
The South East Zonal Caucus is meeting in Enugu today to deliver a final verdict on the matter.
Meanwhile, Saraki’s team reportedly sided with Anyanwu — referencing the Supreme Court ruling and confirming he resumed Monday.
What’s Next: NEC D-Day, May 27
Saraki’s panel is expected to brief all PDP governors before the NEC meeting on May 27.
That meeting will likely determine:
-
The party’s future leadership structure,
-
Zonal power balance, and
-
Survival trajectory heading into 2027.
Former Benue Governor Senator Gabriel Suswam issued a stark warning:
“The PDP is in ICU. It can be rescued — but the right medicine must be applied immediately.”
