The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing for a major national convention scheduled for November 15, and the race to become the next National Chairman is already generating interest and tension.
Top politicians eyeing the position include former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, ex-PDP Chairman Kawu Baraje, and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi. The current acting chairman, Umar Damagum, is also working behind the scenes to retain the job in a full capacity.
A party source, who asked not to be named, said, “Some party leaders are pushing for a consensus approach to avoid further internal conflict, especially as the 2027 general elections draw closer.”
According to the source, while zoning of party offices will be decided at the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, some leaders want all key positions—including the national chairmanship—filled through consensus to promote unity and peace.
“We’re just coming out of a crisis. A peaceful convention is crucial. Gana, Baraje, and Makarfi are interested, and Damagum is not backing down. Consensus and zoning will help manage the process.” the source added.
So far, none of the leading aspirants has confirmed their intentions publicly. Damagum’s phone was switched off, Gana was reportedly in a meeting, Baraje’s number was unreachable, and Makarfi did not respond to messages.
NEC Members Speak Out
Despite the push for consensus, some party leaders argue that the democratic process must be respected.
Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader, said, “Everyone has the right to contest. Delegates should be allowed to decide who leads the party. Consensus is not always the best. Let aspirants present their ideas and let delegates vote.”
He warned against blocking members from contesting, adding, “We’re going to oppose anyone who tries to truncate this process.”
Former Deputy Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi called for caution, saying, “The party needs strong leadership to recover from recent troubles. The consensus option might be the best way to ensure peace.”
Eddy Olafeso, former National Vice Chairman, supported consensus but stressed that all qualified members are welcome to contest.
“The party must learn from its past mistakes. Consensus will save costs and prevent internal conflict. But if it doesn’t work, we’ll go to the polls,” he said.
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Wike Issues Warning
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that unresolved leadership disputes in the South-South and South-East regions could cause fresh crises during the convention.
He said the party must recognise Chief Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman (South-South) following a congress held in Calabar, Cross River State.
“If they want another crisis, so be it. That congress held and Dan Orbih was elected. If they refuse to recognise him, there will be a problem,” Wike said during a media chat in Abuja.
Wike also insisted that Senator Samuel Anyanwu should remain National Secretary, as he was duly elected. He further warned that South-East leader Ali Odefa, who was expelled by court order, should not be allowed to return.
“I don’t support impunity. I will fight it unless they correct it. If not, I won’t be part of the November convention,” Wike said.
APC Reacts
Bala Ibrahim, Director of Publicity for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), mocked the PDP’s convention plans.
“The PDP is in the ICU. I don’t see how a party in that condition can hold a meaningful convention,” he said.
Convention Plans in Progress
Despite concerns, the PDP has released its timetable. According to Umar Bature, the party’s National Organising Secretary, the sale of nomination forms for national offices will begin on September 3.
The deadline to submit forms is September 22, while screening of aspirants will take place on September 30 at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
The November 15 convention will elect 19 new members of the National Working Committee (NWC), which will lead the party for the next four years. While the convention cannot elect a presidential candidate, it has full authority to set party policies, amend the constitution, and take disciplinary actions.