Saraki Leads PDP Strategy Talks in Enugu Amid Defection Concerns
posted 23rd May 2025
Saraki Leads PDP Strategy Talks in Enugu Amid Defection Concerns
Enugu, Nigeria – Former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is currently in Enugu State, joined by Governor Peter Mbah and Senators Seriake Dickson and Ibrahim Dankwambo, to spearhead critical discussions under the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Strategy and Way Forward Committee. The visit, announced by Saraki on social media, aims to reposition the PDP for a stronger future through “frank, focused, and long overdue” conversations.
This strategic meeting comes at a pivotal moment for the PDP, following the high-profile defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor to the All-Progressives Congress (APC). Reports indicate that the governor issued an ultimatum to his commissioners, urging them to join the APC or risk exclusion from his administration. The move has sparked intense speculation about the motivations behind such defections and the broader political dynamics at play.
The APC, despite criticisms of its governance record, continues to attract prominent PDP figures, raising questions about its appeal. Political analysts suggest several factors may be at play. The APC’s control of federal resources and patronage networks offers significant leverage, potentially swaying governors seeking to secure their political futures. Additionally, the party’s dominance at the national level, led by President Bola Tinubu, may create perceptions of inevitability for ambitious politicians.
However, the defections also highlight internal PDP challenges. The party has faced ongoing leadership disputes and factionalism, which have weakened its cohesion. The Saraki-led committee’s efforts in Enugu signal an attempt to address these issues head-on, rallying governors and stakeholders to rebuild trust and present a united front ahead of future elections.
A more contentious concern among PDP governors is the fear of President Tinubu replicating his alleged tactics in Rivers State. In 2023, Tinubu was accused of orchestrating a state of emergency in Rivers, leading to the removal of the sitting governor—a move critics described as a power grab to install an APC loyalist. While these claims remain unverified, they have fuelled anxiety among PDP governors that similar interventions could target their states if they resist aligning with the APC.
This apprehension may explain the Akwa Ibom governor’s defection and his reported pressure on others to follow suit. The prospect of losing governorships through federal interference is a significant concern, particularly in states where PDP governors face internal or electoral vulnerabilities.
Saraki’s visit to Enugu, accompanied by key PDP figures, underscores the party’s determination to counter defections and strengthen its base. The Strategy and Way Forward Committee, which includes experienced leaders like Dickson and Dankwambo, is tasked with reconciling factions, addressing grievances, and crafting a compelling vision for the PDP’s future. Governor Mbah’s hosting of the meeting further signals his commitment to the party, despite speculations of defection pressures in the South-East.
In his social media post, Saraki emphasised the need for candid dialogue to reposition the PDP. The committee’s work is expected to focus on unifying the party’s leadership, engaging grassroots supporters, and countering the APC’s narrative of dominance. Sources close to the PDP suggest that the Enugu talks will also address strategies to protect governors from federal intimidation, including legal and political safeguards.
The APC’s ability to attract PDP heavyweights has not gone unnoticed, but it raises a paradox: why is a party accused of leading a “failed government” drawing such interest? Critics point to economic challenges, rising insecurity, and governance missteps under Tinubu’s administration as evidence of APC’s struggles. Yet, the party’s control of federal power and its strategic use of political leverage appear to outweigh these criticisms for some defectors.
As the PDP works to stem the tide of defections, the Enugu meeting marks a critical step in its fight to reclaim relevance. Whether Saraki and his team can unify the party and restore confidence among its governors remains to be seen. For now, the PDP is banking on open conversations and strategic planning to chart a path forward in Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
