A member of the House of Representatives has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal crises within the party and specifically attributing the turmoil to the influence of Governor Nyesom Wike. The lawmaker made the announcement on Thursday, January 8, 2026, during a media briefing in Abuja.
The defector, whose identity has been confirmed by the National Assembly sources, explained that repeated disagreements with the party leadership and unresolved conflicts at both state and national levels made continued membership untenable. “The state of affairs in the PDP is untenable. Governor Wike’s actions have contributed significantly to the factionalism and lack of cohesion we are witnessing,” the lawmaker said verbatim.
According to the statement, the decision to leave PDP was taken after several attempts to reconcile differences within the party failed. The lawmaker emphasized that the move is intended to align with a political platform that can effectively represent constituents’ interests ahead of upcoming elections.
Political analysts note that defections of this nature have implications for party dynamics and electoral strategies, especially as the PDP contends with internal divisions while preparing for future polls. Observers suggest that such departures could influence both voter perception and party strength in critical constituencies.
The lawmaker’s defection has been met with mixed reactions from colleagues, with some expressing concern over potential destabilization in the party, while others highlighted it as an outcome of unresolved leadership conflicts. Party officials have yet to issue an official response regarding the defection or the accusations leveled against Governor Wike.
This development underscores ongoing tensions within the PDP as the party navigates internal disputes and prepares for the next electoral cycle, highlighting the challenges of maintaining unity amid diverse political interests and leadership styles.
