The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is contemplating taking disciplinary action against some of its prominent members who have shown allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, instead of supporting the PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the recent presidential election.
According to reliable sources, the main opposition party is considering expelling key members of the G-5 governors elected under the PDP’s platform. These governors, including Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Samuel Ortom of Benue State, refused to support Atiku Abubakar in the February 25, 2024 presidential election.
The PDP views the current alliance between Wike, Ortom, and Tinubu’s APC as a serious case of anti-party activity, warranting expulsion. The party has also issued a warning that if these former governors accept any appointments from the President and the APC, they will be summarily expelled from the party.
While the PDP’s stance on Wike and Ortom is clear, it remains uncertain how the party plans to address the other members of the G-5. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who is serving his second term under the PDP, recently participated in the party’s retreat in Bauchi, indicating his continued affiliation. As for the immediate past governors of Abia and Enugu states, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, they seem to be politically isolated after losing their respective bids for Senate seats. Ortom also faced defeat in his attempt to become a senator.
However, the five ex-governors recently visited the President at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in a show of solidarity with Tinubu, even as Atiku, the PDP presidential candidate, continues his legal challenge against the outcome of the election at the Presidential Election Petition Court.
