The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing internal tensions ahead of its national convention scheduled for November 14 in Ibadan, as disputes over the outcome of recent congresses threaten to plunge the party into yet another crisis.
The congresses held at the ward, local government, and zonal levels have stirred controversy, particularly over the emergence of zonal leaders. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, a key stakeholder in the party, has rejected the outcome of the Southeast zonal congress, which produced Ali Odefa as the National Vice Chairman (Southeast). Wike cited a court ruling stating that Odefa is no longer a valid member of the PDP.
Wike also raised objections over the South-South zonal election that returned Chief Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman (South-South). The legitimacy of that congress has also been challenged by several party leaders.
Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, had earlier stated that the South-South congress result could not be upheld due to lack of support from the governors of the zone. However, Wike has insisted that the outcome must stand, warning that any attempt to overturn it could spark a fresh wave of crisis within the party.
These developments come as the PDP prepares to elect a new set of national officers at the upcoming convention. According to the party’s schedule, Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) are expected to vacate their offices on December 8, when a new leadership will assume control.
Wike’s latest remarks follow the defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and members of his political camp to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Describing the defectors as “buccaneers and vampires,” Wike said their departure was necessary to rid the PDP of individuals he accused of promoting impunity.
The minister further revealed how he and other stakeholders rejected a proposal to appoint former Senate President and current ADC National Chairman, David Mark, as the PDP National Chairman. Wike said he preferred a neutral figure without a long-standing political résumé, who could bring fresh energy to the party’s leadership.
Meanwhile, the PDP is set to hold its National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings on August 25. Consultations for zoning of party offices will follow from August 26 to September 1.
Nomination forms will be processed and forwarded to the party’s Screening Committee, with aspirants expected to appear before the committee at the national secretariat on September 30. Aggrieved aspirants will have the opportunity to file appeals on October 6, ahead of the publication of the final list of cleared candidates on October 10.
The coming weeks are expected to test the PDP’s internal cohesion, as tensions grow over leadership positions and regional influence within the party’s ranks.