Former Senate President Bukola Saraki led a high-powered delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Enugu in May 2025 to meet with Governor Peter Mbah, amid a deepening crisis within the party.
The visit was prompted by growing internal divisions and defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which have weakened the PDP’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections. Saraki, a prominent PDP figure and former Kwara State governor, aimed to address concerns about the party’s leadership and strategy, particularly in the South-East, where Enugu is a key stronghold.
The meeting focused on resolving disputes over the PDP’s national leadership, with some factions calling for the resignation of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, citing his handling of defections and party primaries. Saraki urged unity, emphasizing the need for the PDP to present a formidable opposition to the APC. Governor Mbah, a first-term governor known for his infrastructure projects in Enugu, reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and pledged to mobilize support in the South-East. The delegation also discussed strategies to counter APC’s influence, including grassroots campaigns and reconciliation efforts with aggrieved members.
The PDP’s crisis has been exacerbated by recent defections, including that of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who announced his intention to join the APC in May 2025, citing alignment with President Tinubu’s policies. The party faces challenges in maintaining its relevance, with critics pointing to its failure to capitalize on public discontent with economic hardships. Saraki’s visit to Enugu signals an effort to rebuild the PDP’s base in the South-East, a region critical to its electoral prospects. The outcome of the meeting has raised hopes among PDP supporters, but analysts warn that without structural reforms and a clear agenda, the party risks further fragmentation.