Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are sharply divided over whether members accused of anti-party activities should face disciplinary sanctions.
In exclusive interviews, some party leaders warned that punishing members now could be counterproductive. In contrast, others insist that discipline is crucial if the opposition party is to mount a serious challenge in the 2027 general elections.
Since the conclusion of the 2023 elections, there have been growing calls from party loyalists for punitive action against individuals believed to have undermined PDP’s electoral fortunes across various states. Responding to the clamour, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) inaugurated a Disciplinary Committee on August 21, 2024, chaired by former Minister of External Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi. But nine months on, the panel has only ruled on one case—that of Senator Samuel Anyanwu—amid concerns about the slow pace of its work and lack of transparency on pending petitions.
Meanwhile, allegations have persisted that some PDP leaders are covertly aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties, raising concerns about loyalty and cohesion within the opposition camp.
Chief Eddy Olafeso, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, insists that sanctions are necessary to instil discipline and serve as a deterrent to others.
“After the disciplinary procedure, whoever is involved in anti-party activities should be sanctioned,” Olafeso said. “It is better to go into a war with a disciplined army than with a disorganised one.”
However, the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged caution, warning against a purge that could fracture the party further.
“An eye for an eye leaves the whole community blind,” Osadolor stated. “We need everyone committed to the ideals of the PDP if we are to defeat the current government in 2027. Forgiveness and unity should guide us—except in cases where members are clearly unrepentant.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi said reconciliation, not retribution, is the party’s best path forward.
“Sanctions are not the answer,” Odeyemi told Newsbulletin. “True reconciliation is the way to go. Politics is a game of numbers. Instead of reducing our ranks through disciplinary actions, we should be building bridges ahead of 2027.”
As internal debates intensify, the PDP faces a critical decision: to discipline and risk division, or to reconcile and risk disunity persisting beneath the surface.
