— Party Chieftains Split Over Zoning, NEC Legitimacy and Leadership Crisis
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again facing internal tensions as key figures within the party express conflicting views over the zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
This follows a high-level meeting in Abuja on Monday, where Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alongside members of the G-5 governors and other concerned stakeholders, called for the party’s next presidential candidate to emerge from the South. The group also threw its weight behind Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reaffirming him as the party’s National Secretary.
However, reactions to the Wike-led position have revealed sharp divisions among PDP leaders.
Zoning Controversy and NEC Dispute
Board of Trustees (BoT) member and former House of Representatives member, Mr. Jones Onyereri, backed the Southern zoning push, while also questioning the legitimacy of the recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Speaking with Vanguard, Onyereri argued that the meeting was not properly convened in line with the PDP constitution.
“According to Section 47, only the National Secretary has the authority to issue official correspondence,” he stated. “Senator Anyanwu didn’t send out any notice; in fact, he wrote to confirm the meeting was cancelled. That renders the NEC meeting improperly convened.”
He added that “eminent stakeholders across Nigeria have reaffirmed Anyanwu as the duly elected National Secretary,” emphasizing the need for the PDP to respect its zoning principle ahead of the 2027 polls.
Bode George Urges Caution
Meanwhile, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, urged restraint and internal resolution of disputes. He cautioned that “family matters are not to be discussed in the marketplace,” and advised stakeholders to wait for the scheduled June 30 NEC meeting.
“This is not how we run a party,” George said. “Otherwise, we risk exposing our strategies to the enemy. I urge everyone to stay calm and let the appropriate organs meet.”
PDP Organising Secretary Backs Stakeholders’ Call
In contrast, PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, aligned with the stakeholders’ position, stating that it reflects the party’s broader stance.
“What they said in the communiqué is not different from what the party believes in,” Bature noted. He dismissed claims about the NEC meeting’s irregularity, explaining that “no binding decision was taken,” and hence no constitutional breach occurred.
PDP to Respond Formally
National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, assured that the party will respond officially to the ongoing controversy.
“There is a committee responsible for that,” he said. “The PDP will follow due process and communicate its position at the appropriate time.”
Fayose Warns Against Decline
Adding his voice, former Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, warned that the PDP risks becoming a “political carcass” if urgent reforms are not undertaken. Speaking after a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, Fayose reiterated his loyalty to the PDP but acknowledged his limited role in the party’s current dynamics.
“I am no longer in frontline politics, but I will always speak the truth. Without urgent action, the PDP is headed for serious decline,” he said.
As internal disagreements deepen, all eyes are now on the June 30 NEC meeting, expected to chart the path forward for the embattled opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Comments