The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed its National Legal Adviser to initiate legal action to reclaim the party’s mandate from Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other elected officials who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The directive follows a meeting of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) held Tuesday in Abuja, where Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, addressed the press.
Damagum announced that the Emmanuel Ogidi-led South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee has been empowered to take over the party’s structure in Delta State, pending the formation of a new state caretaker committee. This comes after Oborevwori, former vice presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and several other PDP officials in Delta declared their defection to the APC on April 25.
“We’ve dissolved the existing party structures in Delta as many members have defected,” Damagum said. “The National Legal Adviser has been instructed to commence legal proceedings to recover our mandates. As stated in the Electoral Act, any elected official who defects loses their mandate.”
The NWC also approved the scheduling of zonal congresses for the South-West, North-East, and South-East, and appointed a caretaker committee for the North Central zone, pending elections.
Damagum said the committee adopted several recommendations from the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting held in Ibadan, including the scheduling of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for May 27 and a national convention from August 28–30, subject to NEC approval.
Addressing the recent wave of defections, Damagum called for calm among members.
“Some may defect under pressure or coercion, but we believe Nigerians will make their choice when the time comes. We’ve seen this before.”
He also dismissed claims of internal crisis within the NWC.
“There is no crisis in the party. If someone is looking to justify betrayal, they may fabricate issues. The PDP remains united and resilient.”
Damagum affirmed that preparations for the national convention are progressing, saying, “No amount of intimidation will break this party. We’ve survived worse.”
Speaking on the party’s future in Delta, Ogidi said the caretaker committee would restore confidence and assess the party’s position.
“Our task is to evaluate the current situation in Delta, reassure our members, and recommend a new caretaker committee,” Ogidi said.
He added that PDP leadership in Bayelsa remains under Solomon Agwanana, while Tony Aziegbemi continues as chairman in Edo.
