In a dramatic political twist ahead of the 2027 elections, Comrade Odih Rowland, a long-standing chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, has tendered a public apology to the party’s leadership after briefly defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a letter dated August 27, 2025, and addressed to the PDP National Chairman at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, Rowland admitted that his decision to leave the PDP on August 1 was a grave mistake. He described the PDP as the party that had nurtured his political career for more than two decades and expressed deep regret for abandoning it.
“I realize now that I made a grave mistake by leaving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a party that has nurtured my political career for 24 years,” Rowland wrote, adding that his return was informed by the PDP’s values of truth, justice, internal democracy, and its proven ability to resolve internal conflicts.
The Edo politician said he was particularly impressed by the leadership style of the PDP National Chairman, which he argued has positioned the party as a formidable force capable of reclaiming power in 2027. According to him, his political impact will be more significant within the PDP than in any other party.
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Rowland revealed that his decision to return was also influenced by appeals from his ward, local government, and state leaders who urged him to reconcile with the PDP. He assured the party of his loyalty and pledged to mobilize his supporters to work tirelessly for PDP’s victory in the next general elections.
“I pledge to work tirelessly for the party’s victory in 2027,” he declared.
The letter, which was stamped as received by the PDP National Chairman’s office on August 28, has already stirred reactions within Edo’s political circle, with many seeing Rowland’s return as a boost for the PDP’s grassroots strength in the state.
Rowland’s apology and re-entry into the PDP come at a time when the party is actively seeking to consolidate its base nationwide and woo back prominent defectors as part of its wider strategy for 2027. His move may encourage other wavering members to return, further strengthening the PDP’s chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
