By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South caretaker committee, Emmanuel Ogidi, has warned that the party will sanction members found guilty of anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogidi gave the warning on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he also dismissed suggestions that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) influenced the party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South.
Warning to Members Backing Tinubu
Responding to questions about the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and other PDP members who have openly endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Ogidi said the party would not overlook such actions.
“We are watching our members, and of course, any party that does not have discipline cannot succeed. We will discipline any erring members,” he said.
He accused the APC of plotting to destabilise the South, insisting that the strategy had failed.
“APC has been running towards the South because they want to destabilise the South; they are trying to weaken us in the South, but they failed,” Ogidi declared.
Reconciliation and Return of Defectors
On reconciliation and defections, Ogidi said the PDP would continue to engage aggrieved members but would not tolerate deliberate sabotage.
“We are in reconciliation. If it doesn’t work, then we are going to apply the big stick. As for those who have left, our doors are always open. At the time they left, many were unsure of the party’s direction, but now we are more certain, and I believe they will return,” he noted.
He stressed that the PDP’s immediate priority was to restore public confidence after years of internal crisis, rather than focus on individuals.
“This is the Peoples Democratic Party. We don’t headhunt for candidates; our doors are open for those who wish to come in. For now, our pursuit is not about the candidate but about regaining the confidence of Nigerians. PDP is not owned by any individual; it belongs to the people,” he added.
Agbedi: Anti-Party Not Only About Wike
Meanwhile, another PDP chieftain, Fred Agbedi, said the problem of anti-party activities within the PDP should not be reduced to the actions of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike alone.
Agbedi, who is the Chairman of the South-South Caucus in the House of Representatives, spoke on Monday in an interview on Arise Television. He insisted the party would emerge stronger despite past challenges.
“PDP is strong enough. PDP will be stronger. PDP will be well organised. PDP will be ready for 2027,” he assured.
According to him, several other members, not just Wike, have engaged in acts of disloyalty.
“It’s not about Wike alone. It is beyond Wike. There are a lot of others who have played anti-party in one way or the other, who are members of PDP, who are saying, ‘I’m going to support so-and-so person; I’m going to vote for so-and-so person,’” he said.
Agbedi maintained that the party’s focus was on rebuilding its structure rather than chasing personalities, adding that the PDP remained resilient and committed to repositioning itself for victory in 2027.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
