The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing internal tremors after some of its prominent figures openly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, drawing fierce backlash from party loyalists and raising fears of deepening cracks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Leading the uproar are PDP heavyweights, including former Deputy National Vice Chairman Chief Bode George and Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, who condemned the endorsements by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Governor Eno sparked controversy last week during the flag-off of a major highway project in Nsit-Antai Local Government Area when he pledged support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“Let me end by assuring our people-loving President that we will stand by him. He deserves to complete his eight years in office,” Eno declared. “Someone else may not finish it with the same passion. Me, I’m supporting Baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.”

Fayose echoed a similar sentiment, dismissing the PDP’s chances in 2027 and asserting that the “southern slot” should be allowed to run its course. “It is better to allow Asiwaju (Tinubu) to complete his tenure,” he said.

Their remarks drew swift condemnation from party stalwarts.

Chief Bode George, visibly disappointed, labeled Eno’s comment as “dangerous and unprecedented,” particularly for a sitting PDP governor.

“I don’t bother about whatever Fayose says or what he is doing,” George said, “but I am very worried about the governor — a sitting governor of our party. Taking that kind of decision without consultation undermines our unity and our prospects for 2027.”

He urged Eno to retract his statement, warning that such a move could damage both the governor’s legacy and the party’s future. “It has never happened in Akwa Ibom. It was a wrong decision.”

Backing George’s stance, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor dismissed the endorsements as personal opinions with no bearing on the party’s direction.

“If there is a state that is 100 per cent PDP, that state is Akwa Ibom. Mr Eno’s endorsement is his personal view, not the party’s. And as for Fayose, nobody takes him seriously anymore,” he said bluntly.

Meanwhile, House of Representatives member Wole Oke painted a grim picture of the party’s health, describing the PDP as “gasping for breath.”

“With less than two years to the next general election, the PDP is still swimming from one crisis to another,” he lamented. “Some of our chieftains are openly backing the opposition. It’s a sign of deep trouble.”

As the storm brews within Nigeria’s main opposition party, analysts fear that continued infighting and lack of cohesion could jeopardize the PDP’s bid to return to power in 2027.