Tension in PDP as group fingers SW governor of plotting to weaken party for APC

A group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the banner of the PDP Unity Project Group (PDP-UPG), has raised alarm over what it describes as an orchestrated plot by a serving governor from the Southwest to destabilize the party from within and hand over its structures to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a strongly worded press release dated Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the group accused the unnamed governor of being a “political interloper” working at the behest of powerful interests within the APC, including a prominent figure referred to as the “Villa Son.” The statement further alleged that the plot is being executed in collaboration with a Southeast governor who is “already halfway into the APC.”

According to the PDP-UPG, both governors are actively working to destroy the PDP in the Southwest and Southeast, beginning with alleged attempts to alter the party’s leadership structure during a controversial move earlier in the day. The group claimed that Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja was positioned as Acting National Chairman, while Arch. Setonji Koshoedo assumed the role of Acting National Secretary in what they described as “a farce” aimed at fulfilling their “ignoble designs.”

“Their joint effort, well-mobilized by forces loyal to the system, is aimed at annihilating the PDP and replacing it with the APC,” the statement reads. “This farce marks a dangerous low point in their conspiracy.”

The group also accused the Southwest governor of undermining the influence of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, under the guise of protecting regional interests. They highlighted an April 18 remark credited to the governor by ex-Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, in which he reportedly stated he would not oppose “a fellow Yoruba man in power,” a comment seen by the PDP-UPG as evidence of his true allegiances.

“Supporting a Yoruba president is a personal decision. PDP must not be sacrificed for it,” the group warned, calling on party stakeholders, youths, and women to rise against the alleged betrayal.

The PDP-UPG likened the current developments to the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who they said abandoned the PDP for the APC shortly after key party figures backed him to lead the South-South through Elder Emmanuel Ogidi’s appointment as Acting National Vice Chairman.

They expressed concern that the Southwest governor, who joined the PDP from the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2017, is now spearheading efforts to encourage defections by new PDP governors after capturing the party’s internal structures.

“This is a betrayal of the highest order. Could there be a bigger insult to the PDP and its values?” the group queried.

While the press release did not mention names directly, political observers believe the statements point to ongoing power struggles within the PDP as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

As of the time of filing this report, the accused governors are yet to respond to the allegations.