- PDP in Crisis as Wike’s Southern Presidency Call Divides Party Leaders.
- Party leaders clash over meeting procedures and secretary’s legitimacy.
- Internal disputes threaten PDP’s unity ahead of crucial elections.
Fresh tensions have erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following calls by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a faction of “Concerned Stakeholders” to zone the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.
The division emerged after a Monday meeting in Abuja where the group also endorsed Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s continued tenure as National Secretary.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that former House of Representatives member Jones Onyereri criticized the recent PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, alleging procedural violations.
“The NEC wasn’t properly convened,” Onyereri told Vanguard, citing the party constitution which mandates only the National Secretary can issue meeting notices. He maintained that Anyanwu remains the legitimate secretary and supported the Southern zoning proposal, stating it aligns with the party’s constitutional principles.
However, PDP elder statesman Bode George warned against airing internal disputes publicly.
“We don’t discuss family matters in the marketplace,” the former Deputy National Chairman cautioned, referencing an upcoming June 30 NEC meeting where such matters should properly be addressed.
“National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature surprisingly backed Wike’s faction, stating their position reflects the party’s official stance: “The secretaryship position is clear…the party stands at risk if we don’t abide by the law.”
The deepening rift highlights ongoing power struggles within Nigeria’s main opposition party as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Wike’s Southern presidency push has particularly exposed ideological and regional fractures, with some members viewing it as premature while others consider it essential for party unity.
Political analysts suggest these internal conflicts could weaken the PDP’s position against the ruling All Progressives Congress unless resolved before the 2027 elections.
The party now faces mounting pressure to reconcile its warring factions and present a united front, even as key leaders continue to publicly disagree on fundamental issues of leadership and power rotation.
With the June 30 NEC meeting looming, all eyes remain on whether the PDP can navigate these turbulent waters or risk further disintegration.
