The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned that it will sanction members who openly endorse President Bola Tinubu or engage in other anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The warning came from the Chairman of the PDP South-South caretaker committee, Emmanuel Ogidi, during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.
Ogidi dismissed speculations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) influenced the PDP’s recent decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, insisting the move was an internal resolution to stabilise the party.
On concerns about the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other PDP members who have declared support for President Tinubu, Ogidi said the party was monitoring developments closely.
“We are watching our members, and of course, any party that does not have discipline cannot succeed. We will discipline any erring members,” he stated.
He accused the APC of attempting to destabilise the South politically, but claimed their efforts had not succeeded.
The PDP chieftain also addressed the recent defections of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-lawmaker Dino Melaye, and others to the ADC-led opposition coalition. While stressing that reconciliation efforts were ongoing, he warned that acts of sabotage would not be tolerated.
“We are on reconciliation. If it doesn’t work, then we are going to apply the big stick. For those who have left, our doors remain open. Many were uncertain about the party’s direction at the time, but now we are more stable and I believe some will return,” Ogidi said.
He emphasised that the PDP’s immediate priority was rebuilding public trust after years of internal crises, adding that the party belonged to Nigerians, not to any individual.
The PDP on Monday announced that its 2027 presidential ticket had been zoned to the South, while the national chairmanship remains with the North. Party leaders described the decision as a step towards strengthening the opposition ahead of the next election.
Meanwhile, the APC has already adopted President Tinubu as its candidate for the 2027 polls, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest between the ruling party and the PDP.
