The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in intense mobilization efforts as stakeholders gear up for crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings later this month. These meetings will determine the party’s leadership in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
The primary contenders in this power struggle are Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate in the previous election, and Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister. Tensions between them have escalated since Atiku overlooked Wike in selecting his running mate for the last election.
The allegiance of key figures like the PDP acting National Chairman Ambassador Ilya Damagun and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu is divided, with Damagun and Anyanwu aligning with Wike’s faction. Atiku’s camp perceives them as detrimental to their interests and Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambitions.
Various interest groups within the party are now strategizing, holding meetings, and engaging in discreet consultations to solidify their positions. The North Central zone is advocating for one of its members, such as former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, to assume the national chairman position following the departure of Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Niger State Governor Senator Babangida Aliyu have also shown interest in the chairmanship position, adding to the complexity of internal power dynamics.
Wike’s supporters are pushing for the confirmation of Damagum as National Chairman and the retention of Anyanwu as National Secretary, while some members, particularly those aligned with Atiku, are advocating for sanctions against Wike and his allies for allegedly undermining the party’s interests in the 2023 elections.
Recent public confrontations, such as former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus and Dr. Abiye Sekibo’s criticism of Wike, reflect the intensifying rivalry between the factions. Wike has dismissed his critics as “expired politicians” and challenged their relevance within the party.
The upcoming NEC meeting on April 18, preceded by a National Caucus meeting on April 17 and a BoT meeting on the same day, will be pivotal in determining the party’s trajectory. However, the release of Caretaker Committee members’ names to oversee local and state affairs has sparked controversy, with leaders in states like Rivers, Enugu, and Kaduna rejecting the lists.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s protest at the PDP National Secretariat underscores the discord within the party, particularly between Fubara and Wike. The outcome of these meetings will significantly shape the PDP’s leadership and its approach to the 2027 presidential ticket.
Additionally, the NWC has formed an Electoral Committee to conduct Ward Congresses in Ondo State, a crucial step in preparing for the upcoming governorship polls. The committee’s mandate includes ensuring gender diversity among the delegates elected from each ward.
