...Lawmakers Threaten Defection Over Alleged APC Influence

By AnchorNews Political Desk

ABUJA - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is again in crisis mode as its National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) abruptly suspended the screening of aspirants ahead of the party’s 2025 Elective National Convention, citing “unforeseen circumstances.”

The screening, initially slated for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, was expected to pave the way for the opposition party’s key convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. However, the sudden halt has raised concerns about growing internal disarray and a possible derailment of the convention timetable.

In a statement by NCOC Chairman and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, the committee announced that “a new date will be communicated in due course,” expressing regret over any inconvenience caused to aspirants and members. No official reason was given for the postponement.

Adding to the tension, former Jigawa State governor and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Sule Lamido, expressed outrage after being denied access to purchase the nomination form for the position of National Chairman. Lamido, who arrived at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, claimed that offices were locked and officials “feigned ignorance” about the availability of the forms. He accused the leadership of deliberately blocking his participation in the race.

“It’s strange and undemocratic,” Lamido told reporters. “If I don’t get the form, I’ll go to court. Simple.” The former governor alleged that the nomination process had been hijacked by the NCOC under Fintiri, with forms reportedly being controlled from Adamawa State instead of the PDP headquarters. He maintained that any decision regarding deadlines or procedures must be approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Despite his frustration, Lamido described the situation as a “family problem” that must be resolved for the PDP to stand any chance against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. “If we fight, we’ll lose. Our opponents are outside, not within,” he said.

While Lamido struggled to obtain his nomination form, former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), successfully submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at the NCOC Secretariat in Abuja. Turaki is believed to have the backing of several influential PDP stakeholders as a consensus candidate for the chairmanship position.

In a dramatic twist, over 20 PDP federal lawmakers have threatened to defect from the party over an alleged plot by the leadership to clear a nominee of an APC governor for the position of National Woman Leader. In a joint statement signed by their spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmakers alleged that PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, were part of a conspiracy to “hand over” a key party position to a candidate loyal to the APC.

“We vow to decamp if this woman, nominated by an APC governor, is not disqualified. This is non-negotiable,” the lawmakers declared, accusing some PDP governors of “aiding infiltration by pro-APC elements.” They further warned that the alleged plot could pave the way for a 2027 endorsement of President Bola Tinubu as a “sole presidential candidate,” calling it “the ultimate betrayal” of the PDP’s opposition mandate.

With the screening process halted, aggrieved aspirants protesting exclusion, and lawmakers threatening defection, the PDP faces a renewed test of unity and credibility. As the clock ticks toward the Ibadan convention, stakeholders say the party’s ability to manage its internal contradictions could determine not only the outcome of its leadership contest but also its viability as a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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