By Becky Usman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering taking disciplinary action against some of its prominent members who have been seen aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leader, Bola Tinubu. Sources indicate that the PDP is contemplating the expulsion of key members of the G5 governors elected under its platform who refused to support the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the presidential election held on February 25, 2024.

Among those being considered for expulsion are Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and the leading figure behind the rebel governors, as well as Samuel Ortom, the former governor of Benue State. The PDP views their failure to support Atiku and their current association with Tinubu and the APC as serious instances of anti-party activity warranting expulsion. The party has also cautioned that if these former governors accept appointments from President Buhari and the APC, they will be summarily expelled from the party.

The course of action regarding other members of the G5 governors is yet to be determined. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who is serving his second term under the PDP, recently attended a party retreat in Bauchi, indicating his continued affiliation with the party. The immediate past governors of Abia and Enugu states, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, respectively, have seemingly retreated from active politics after unsuccessful bids for Senate positions. Ortom also faced defeat in his bid for a senatorial seat.

In a show of solidarity, the five former governors recently visited President Buhari at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, alongside Tinubu, even as Atiku continues his legal challenge against Buhari’s victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court.