Context of Udenta’s Criticism
Prof. Udenta Udenta, a prominent political strategist and founding National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), sharply criticized several Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling their actions as “cowardice” and “gutlessness.” In a recent interview on Arise Television, Udenta dismissed narratives suggesting the PDP is collapsing, asserting that the party’s strength lies in its grassroots support among the masses, not in elite politicians chasing personal ambitions.
Key Statements from Udenta
Udenta described the defections as motivated by the governors’ “gluttony” and selfish desire to fuel their political ambitions by aligning with the ruling APC. He emphasized that these leaders lack the “genealogy of power” and basic consideration for their constituents, particularly highlighting public anger in states like Enugu over the abrupt walkouts from a party that granted them massive mandates. “Some of the PDP governors defecting today lack the genealogy of power. The people of Enugu State are seething with anger because you cannot do basic considerations among the elites and then take a walk from a party that gave you a massive mandate,” Udenta stated. He further noted that 2027 will be a “year of reckoning” for such betrayals.
Udenta also addressed speculation about former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential return to politics, clarifying that his earlier analysis was based on broader political variables, not insider info, and reiterated that the PDP remains a “vibrant platform” for figures like Jonathan.
Governors Involved in Recent Defections
This wave of defections has seen at least three PDP governors switch to the APC in 2025, boosting the ruling party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections:
- Peter Mbah (Enugu State): The most recent, confirmed by the APC with a formal joining date set. Mbah cited no personal grudges but emphasized national unity.
- Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State): Defected earlier in the year, aligning with APC’s national agenda.
- Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), alongside former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa: Part of a coordinated shift that has sparked internal PDP divisions.
These moves are part of a broader trend, with APC sources indicating more governors may follow, potentially reshaping opposition dynamics.
Impact on the PDP
Despite the high-profile exits, Udenta argued that the PDP’s identity and influence are “rooted in the people,” not defecting elites. He drew parallels to the 2023 elections, where Labour Party’s Peter Obi demonstrated that mass movements can outpace party machinery without governors or senators. PDP loyalists like Chief Bode George have echoed similar sentiments, calling the defections “disappointing” and a betrayal of the party’s foundational values. However, critics within the APC, such as Udeh-Okoye, claim these shifts signal PDP’s weakening grip, predicting an APC victory in 2027 even against strong challengers like Peter Obi.
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have amplified Udenta’s views, with ARISE News clips garnering significant engagement, reflecting widespread debate on political loyalty and elite opportunism in Nigeria’s polarized landscape.