THE PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) has directed its National Legal Adviser to commence legal action to reclaim the party’s mandate from Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, following his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party also resolved to recover mandates from lawmakers and other elected officials who recently defected alongside Oborevwori.
The decision was announced on Tuesday by the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, during a press briefing after the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja.
Damagum disclosed that the NWC had authorized the Emmanuel Ogidi-led South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s structure in Delta State pending the formation of a state caretaker committee.
Governor Oborevwori, former vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and several PDP-elected officials in Delta State officially defected to the APC on April 25.
“We have instructed the zonal caretaker committee to take charge of Delta State after dissolving all existing structures, as most members have defected,” Damagum stated.
“A caretaker committee will be constituted soon. Additionally, we have directed the National Legal Adviser to initiate legal steps to recover our mandates. Under the Electoral Act, any elected official who defects automatically forfeits their office.”
Approval for Zonal Congresses, Caretaker Committees
The NWC also approved zonal congresses for the South-West, North-East, and South-East regions. A caretaker committee was similarly approved for the North-Central zone ahead of upcoming elections.
Damagum noted that the NWC reviewed various internal party matters and adopted key recommendations from the PDP Governors’ Forum’s recent meeting in Ibadan.
Among the resolutions was the scheduling of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for May 27 and the national convention from August 28 to August 30, pending NEC ratification.
Damagum Dismisses Defection Fears, Denies NWC Crisis
Addressing the wave of defections, Damagum urged party members to remain steadfast.
“The APC may coerce or intimidate our members into defecting, but we are confident Nigerians will respond appropriately when the time comes. This has happened before, and it will happen again,” he said.
He also dismissed claims of an internal crisis within the NWC, stating, “There is no crisis. If someone wants an excuse for betrayal, they may claim there is one. But the PDP remains strong and will continue to thrive.”
Damagum assured that preparations for the national convention to elect new executives were underway, emphasizing the party’s resilience.
“We may face challenges, but we have always resolved them internally. No amount of intimidation or mischief can break this party. The PDP has survived many attempts—this one is child’s play,” he added.
Zonal Committee Ready for Delta Assignment
Emmanuel Ogidi, head of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, affirmed readiness to execute its mandate in Delta State.
“Our task is to assess the party’s current state in Delta, reassure members, and restore confidence. We will also recommend members for the state caretaker committee to the NWC,” he said.
Ogidi clarified that the party leadership in Bayelsa remains under Solomon Agwanana’s State Working Committee (SWC), while Tony Aziegbemi continues as chairman in Edo State.
