The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plunged deeper into crisis Tuesday as its internal implosion spilled into open court — just hours after losing one of its crown jewels, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meanwhile, reports say Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State will jump ship into the ruling APC anytime from now.
At the Federal High Court in Abuja, an unprecedented power tussle erupted between PDP’s National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, during a heated suit seeking to halt the party’s upcoming national convention.
In a scene that stunned the courtroom, both men battled for control of legal representation. Damagum backed Chief Chris Uche, SAN with a personal letter of appointment, while Ajibade, equally a SAN, stormed the courtroom insisting he alone had the constitutional authority to brief counsel on behalf of the party. Justice James Omotosho was forced to suspend proceedings for 10 minutes to let the party “put its house in order” — a request that proved futile.
Back in court, the disarray continued, prompting the judge to adjourn the case to October 16. He also granted a joinder request, officially adding Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi as defendants — despite strong opposition from plaintiffs who are seeking to block the party’s November 15–16 convention in Ibadan.
While the PDP struggled for internal control in Abuja, a political earthquake was underway in Enugu. Governor Peter Mbah, accompanied by his predecessor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and a coalition of lawmakers, defected to the APC in a dramatic press conference.
“After deep reflection, I have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC,” Mbah declared. “I’ve found in President Tinubu a partner in purpose, one bold enough to make the tough choices for Nigeria’s prosperity.”
Mbah’s defection, supported by nearly the entire Enugu political structure — from the State Executive Council to local government chairmen and legislators — delivered a stinging blow to the PDP. “For too long, the South-East has been loyal to the PDP, yet our voices were often disregarded,” he said.
The twin crises — courtroom chaos and high-profile defection — cast a long shadow over the PDP’s future, raising fresh doubts about its readiness for the 2025 convention and its viability ahead of 2027.
With cracks widening at the top and defections spreading, insiders warn: if PDP doesn’t resolve its internal power struggles soon, the real opposition might not be the APC — but itself.
