Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed deep concern over the steady loss of lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealing that the party has lost as many as 31 senators in recent months due to internal crises.
Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of the PDP Convention Committee, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the situation as troubling but said she remains hopeful that the party can recover and rebuild ahead of future elections.
The event, attended by party leaders and members, is seen as an important step in efforts to restore unity within the PDP after a long period of internal disagreements and legal battles.
In a statement released by her media aide, Mike Idoko, the lawmaker said the decline in the party’s presence in the Senate has been significant and difficult for members who chose to remain.
“When I joined in late November 2023, we were 37 PDP senators. But today, we are only six,” she said. “It was not easy. At almost every sitting, there was the expectation that someone would leave the party.”
Her comments highlight the scale of the crisis that has affected the PDP, once the dominant political party in Nigeria. The party, which ruled the country from 1999 to 2015, has in recent years struggled with internal divisions, leadership disputes, and a series of defections to rival parties.
Defections are not new in Nigerian politics, especially as elections approach. However, the number recorded by the PDP in the Senate is seen by observers as unusually high and a sign of deeper problems within the party.
Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that many of her former colleagues cited the party’s leadership crisis as the main reason for leaving. According to her, disagreements over party structure, leadership roles, and legal disputes created uncertainty and weakened confidence among members.
Despite this, she called on those who have left to return, insisting that the situation within the PDP is improving.
“To my colleagues who have decamped, I say the grass is not greener on the other side. You are all welcome back,” she said.
The issue of defections has long been a concern in Nigeria’s political system. Critics argue that it weakens party discipline and makes it difficult for voters to hold politicians accountable. Others say it reflects a lack of strong ideological differences between parties, with many politicians moving based on personal or strategic interests.
The inauguration of the convention committee is part of efforts by the PDP leadership to address these challenges. The committee is expected to organise the party’s national convention, where new leaders will be elected and key decisions about the party’s future will be made.
Former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who now serves as Chairman of the PDP 2026 National Convention Committee, described the moment as critical in the party’s history.
“Today is not just ceremonial, it is consequential. This convention is more than a gathering; it is a moment of truth,” he said in his acceptance speech.
Ikpeazu acknowledged that the party had gone through a difficult period marked by internal conflict and legal disputes. These issues, he said, tested the strength of the party and created divisions among members.
One of the major points of contention within the PDP in recent times has been leadership at the national level. Disagreements over the National Working Committee and other key positions led to court cases that moved from the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal.
According to Ikpeazu, the recent affirmation of the National Caretaker Working Committee by the appellate court provides a fresh opportunity for the party to move forward.
“It is not just a legal victory, but a moral and political reset,” he said. “It gives us the chance to rebuild and restore confidence in the party.”
He stressed that reconciliation would be key to the PDP’s recovery, urging members to put aside their differences and work together.
“What the PDP needs now is honest reconciliation, built on truth and mutual respect,” he said. “We must be ready to listen, admit our mistakes, and forgive one another.”
The PDP remains one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties, competing mainly with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). A strong opposition is often seen as important for democracy, as it provides checks and balances on those in power.
However, the sharp drop in the number of PDP senators has raised concerns about its ability to effectively play this role in the National Assembly. With only a small number of lawmakers remaining, the party’s influence in debates and decision-making has been reduced.
Ikpeazu called on party members across all states and the Federal Capital Territory to support the convention process and work towards a common goal.
“Our mission is to deliver a smooth and transparent convention that will produce credible leaders and reposition the PDP for victory in 2027,” he said.
For many members, the hope is that the current efforts will mark a turning point. The inauguration of the convention committee is being seen as a step towards stabilising the party and restoring trust among its members.
The coming months, especially the outcome of the national convention, are expected to determine whether the party can regain its strength or continue to struggle with division and declining influence.