Battle for Who Becomes PDP Chair Begins as 4 Powerful Politicians Eye Position ahead of 2027

• The race for the PDP national chairmanship heats up as four key figures, including Jerry Gana and Ahmed Makarfi, emerge ahead of the November 15 convention
• FCT minister Nyesom Wike warned that unresolved zoning issues may trigger fresh crisis
• PDP leaders debate consensus candidacy; while some back it for unity, others fear it could suppress fair competition within the PDP

FCT, Abuja - The battle for the position of national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially kicked off.

At least four influential politicians reportedly showing interest ahead of the party's elective convention scheduled for 15 November.

Among the contenders are former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana; ex-party chairman, Kawu Baraje; and former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi.

Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is also said to be working to retain the seat in a substantive capacity.

NEC members push for qualified candidates

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Some members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) have called for credible, competent individuals with solid leadership backgrounds to lead the party.

While talks of a consensus candidate dominate internal discussions, opinions remain divided.

A party source told our correspondent,

"We are pushing for a peaceful convention. Consensus is being considered to maintain unity, especially as the 2027 elections approach."

Wike warns of fresh crisis over zoning disagreements

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that unresolved issues in the South-South and South-East zones could derail the party's plans.

He accused party leaders of ignoring the outcome of the South-South congress in Calabar, where Chief Dan Orbih reportedly emerged as National Vice Chairman.

Wike said,

"If they don’t recognise the outcome of the Calabar congress, it could trigger another round of crisis."

He also insisted on recognising Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary, warning that impunity must not be tolerated.

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PDP: Constitution gives convention broad powers

According to the party’s constitution, the National Convention is the highest decision-making body within the PDP.

It has authority to elect and remove national officers, make policy decisions, and amend the constitution.

The November convention aims to elect 19 new members of the National Working Committee (NWC), as the tenure of current members ends in December.

PDP leaders oppose consensus approach

Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticised the idea of a consensus approach, calling it "dangerous to democracy."

"Consensus can stifle legitimate aspirations. Every eligible member has a right to contest," he said.

Former deputy national publicity secretary, Diran Odeyemi, however, disagreed, saying consensus could stabilise the party.

"We need to assess aspirants based on past performance. Consensus gives us a chance to avoid unnecessary conflicts," he noted.

Olafeso backs consensus, gives condition

Former South-West vice chairman, Eddy Olafeso, supported consensus efforts but stressed the need for fairness and inclusiveness.

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"Consensus is give and take. We must resolve internal issues ahead of the convention to avoid repeating past mistakes," he said.

He added,

"Those who left the party can only return if they see fairness and equity at work."

APC reacts to PDP leadership tussle

Bala Ibrahim, director of Publicity for the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the internal conflict within the PDP could lead to its downfall.

"This power struggle further weakens the PDP. Their inability to resolve issues internally shows the party is not ready for serious leadership," Ibrahim said.

PDP will come fourth in 2027, says Fayose

Previously, Legit.ng reported that former Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, made a bold prediction about the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the party is on course to finish fourth in the 2027 general elections.

Fayose attributed the PDP's declining influence to its internal crisis and the sidelining of prominent figures within its ranks.

Source: Legit.ng