The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the party-led government in Osun State, condemning it as a breach of the party’s principles.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke recently declared the support of PDP stakeholders in the state for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the need for alignment ahead of the state’s governorship contest. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from within the party.
During a press conference in Kano, the PDP chairman in the state, Yusuf Ado Kibiya, described the Osun endorsement as a violation of the party’s constitution. He insisted that Kano PDP would not follow suit, stating the party’s loyalty in the state remains intact.
“We in Kano PDP will not subject our conscience to ridicule. We remain committed to the values and ideals of our party and will resist any attempt to undermine our structure,” Kibiya said.
He also criticised former PDP leaders who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as individuals driven by selfish ambition. He said their departure betrayed the trust of the party and the public.
Kibiya accused the defectors of abandoning the platform that elevated them to prominence. “It is unfortunate that people who rose through the ranks of our party have shamelessly walked away for personal gain,” he stated.
In a separate development, the Lagos State chapter of the PDP has expelled some of its members who recently defected to the ADC. The announcement was made by Segun Edwards, Spokesman of the Elders Caucus and Chairman of the party in the 20 local councils of the state.
Edwards said the expulsion was decided during a stakeholders’ meeting that reviewed the outcome of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) session in Abuja. He confirmed that any PDP member who openly aligned with the ADC had been removed from the party.
The Lagos PDP also directed its local council chairmen to begin preparations for upcoming party congresses at all levels, set to take place between September and November this year.
Party elders condemned the defection, stating that it violated PDP principles and amounted to disloyalty while still carrying the party’s identity.
