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2027: PDP Loses Ground as Key Members Defect Across North-East

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is witnessing a worrying trend in the North-East, with prominent members abandoning the party in increasing numbers. This wave of defections, analysts believe, could significantly erode the PDP’s long-standing grip in the region.

Across states like Taraba, Adamawa, Yobe, Borno, Gombe, and Bauchi, a pattern has emerged: notable party figures are exiting the PDP in protest, citing internal disunity, exclusionary practices, and a disconnect between party leadership and the grassroots, DAILY POST has observed.

The string of resignations, now referred to by many as a “resignation epidemic,” poses a serious threat to the PDP’s dominance, particularly in Taraba, where the party has traditionally maintained a stronghold.

Among the most impactful exits is that of Professor Jerome Nyameh, a former governorship aspirant in Taraba during the 2023 elections. In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Zing AII Ward, Nyameh tendered his resignation, citing persistent internal crises and a failure of party leadership to engage its base.

“I have remained loyal to the PDP since 1999, but I can no longer pretend all is well. There is a growing sense of abandonment among my supporters, and the leadership has failed to offer clear direction,” Nyameh wrote.

His departure mirrors those of several other party stalwarts, many of whom have voiced frustrations over what they describe as a culture of exclusion and a lack of transparency in party affairs.

In Adamawa, though the PDP remains the ruling party under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, internal frictions are brewing. Several youth leaders and grassroots organizers have either defected or are reportedly in talks with other political groups, disillusioned by what they term “persistent sidelining” and “non-recognition” of their contributions.

While no high-profile resignations have occurred in Adamawa yet, sources within the party hint at escalating discontent. Key political influencers are said to be holding secret meetings with rival parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a number of emerging political movements.

In Gombe State, where the APC currently governs, the PDP’s local machinery appears to be faltering. Discontent among the party’s rank-and-file is growing, with supporters complaining about weak leadership and a lack of strategic planning to reclaim relevance.

“The PDP has yet to recover from the blows it suffered in the 2019 and 2023 elections. Without a major rebranding, more defections are inevitable,” said Gombe-based political commentator, Musa Abubakar.

In Bauchi, though Governor Bala Mohammed remains in office under the PDP banner, tensions are rising between his camp and the state working committee. While the leadership publicly downplays any rift, party insiders confirm that grievances are festering. Should reconciliation efforts stall, more exits are likely.

Political observers link the current exodus from the PDP to several underlying causes. A common thread among those leaving is the accusation of autocratic leadership and a disregard for internal democracy. Many claim that grievances and complaints are routinely brushed aside or poorly handled, leading to deep-seated frustration.

Additionally, aspirants who lost out during the party’s primaries allege irregularities, favoritism, and manipulation — all of which, they say, have bred long-term resentment.

Others criticize the PDP for its lack of a clear, compelling vision following the 2023 elections. Without a cohesive post-election strategy, they argue, members are losing faith in the party’s ability to regroup and challenge its rivals effectively.

The APC, buoyed by its federal dominance, has seized on the PDP’s internal woes, courting aggrieved members across the North-East. Smaller parties like the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) are also positioning themselves as viable alternatives for disenchanted PDP members seeking a fresh platform.

An APC insider in Taraba, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the party is actively negotiating with several disillusioned PDP heavyweights. “They see which way the wind is blowing. The 2027 elections will not be business as usual,” he said.

Despite the mounting defections, PDP leaders at both national and zonal levels have either downplayed the crisis or remained silent. Some officials dismiss the resignations as part of routine political shifts, while others insist that reconciliation initiatives are underway.

Behind the scenes, party meetings with dissatisfied members have reportedly commenced, with promises of internal reform and greater inclusivity. However, whether these efforts will be enough to stop the hemorrhaging remains to be seen.

For the PDP in Taraba and across the North-East, the coming months are critical. The party faces a clear choice: repair internal fractures, rebuild trust, and offer a compelling future — or continue to lose ground in what could become a prolonged decline.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna