The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced strong concern over the growing number of endorsements for President Bola Tinubu by some of its state chapters and prominent members, describing the trend as a serious breach of party rules and a threat to its unity and electoral prospects.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the public declarations in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 presidential election amount to anti-party activity. He warned that such actions have already caused division, disaffection, and the defection of influential figures from the party.
Ologunagba noted that if the matter is not addressed urgently, the PDP risks losing significant ground ahead of future elections. To tackle the crisis, the party previously established a national disciplinary committee led by High Chief Tom Ikimi. However, internal tensions have emerged, as Ikimi—who once accused PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu of anti-party conduct—has recently been seen attending events organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside other loyalists of former vice president Atiku Abubakar.
The National Working Committee (NWC), under the leadership of Ambassador Umar Damagum, is now moving to enforce stricter disciplinary measures. The committee is threatening sanctions against high-profile members, including the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and PDP chapters in Osun and Lagos states, which have openly endorsed Tinubu. Although Wike’s name was not explicitly mentioned in Ologunagba’s statement, party sources indicate growing frustration within the leadership over his actions and those of his supporters.
The statement, titled “PDP NWC reprimands members over anti-party activities … warns members endorsing Tinubu will face stiff sanctions”, stressed that the endorsements violate the PDP constitution and damage the party’s public image.
“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 All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election, constitute a serious threat to the stability and sustenance of our party,” Ologunagba said.
He cited Section 10(6) of the PDP Constitution, which states that no member “shall align with other parties or groups to undermine the party or any of its elected government.” He added that the NWC, invoking Section 59(1) of the constitution, is issuing a strong reprimand to those involved and is prepared to apply “stiffer sanctions” if they fail to change course.
The PDP leadership is urging all members to remain loyal, avoid divisive activities, and work toward the party’s success in upcoming events, including the National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
This internal rift comes as the 2027 presidential race begins to take shape, with some PDP members breaking ranks to align with Tinubu despite the party’s clear stance against such alliances. The public nature of these endorsements has intensified concerns within the leadership that the trend, if unchecked, could weaken the PDP’s position ahead of the next general election.
For the party, the situation presents both an organisational challenge and a test of internal discipline, as it seeks to present a united front while navigating a politically charged pre-election environment.
