The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to prominent members openly endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing their actions as anti-party activities that threaten the unity and survival of the party.
The warning was contained in a statement released on Friday by Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, following a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Growing List of Defectors in Spirit
Over the past few months, several high-profile PDP figures have publicly backed Tinubu’s re-election bid. Among them are Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State; Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State; and the Osun State caucus of the PDP, among others.
The endorsements, which come two years into Tinubu’s first term, have sparked outrage among loyalists who accuse the defectors of undermining the party from within.
NWC Labels Endorsements ‘Anti-Party’
In its statement, the NWC condemned the public declarations of support for Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting they violate the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
“Of serious concern is the persistent public media outbursts against our Party by some prominent members whose actions and utterances, including their public declaration of support and willingness to work for the victory of the APC in the 2027 Presidential election, constitute a serious threat to the stability and sustenance of our Party,” the statement read.
The PDP specifically cited Section 10(6) of its constitution, which prohibits members from aligning with other political parties or groups in a way that undermines the PDP or its elected officials.
“Such anti-party activities have continued to impact negatively on the PDP, leading to division, disaffection, and heavy hemorrhaging of members with the capacity to diminish our Party’s electoral fortunes if not immediately checked,” the statement added.
Warning of Sanctions
Relying on Section 59(1) of the constitution, the NWC issued a formal reprimand to the members involved, warning that if they fail to “retrace their steps,” they will face stiffer disciplinary measures, which could include suspension or expulsion.
Call for Unity Ahead of Convention
As the PDP gears up for its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, the party leadership urged members to remain committed to its ideals and resist any distractions aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.
The statement concluded with an appeal for loyalty:
“We urge all members to stay focused, united, and resolute in our collective mission to rescue our nation from misrule.”
