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As PDP gears up for a crucial national convention on November 15, top contenders jostle for leadership amid renewed calls for consensus and threats of internal crisis.
With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is gearing up for a crucial National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15, where a new National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to be elected. Among the leading contenders for the party’s top job are former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, former party chairman Kawu Baraje, and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi.
Party insiders confirmed that the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is also working behind the scenes to retain his position in a substantive capacity. The race is expected to intensify as the party navigates the final phase of preparations for the convention, which will elect 19 new national officers.
Despite mounting interest from multiple aspirants, strong internal calls for a consensus arrangement are gaining traction. Sources say many PDP stakeholders, including governors, former governors, and senior party officials, are pushing for a united front to avoid another internal crisis.
One top-ranking source said, “After months of internal turmoil, the party cannot afford another post-convention conflict. Consensus is key to ensuring stability.”
However, some within the party, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, have opposed the idea of consensus, warning that it could stifle democracy. “Let aspirants present their manifestos and allow delegates to decide,” Osadolor said, arguing that consensus could disenfranchise credible candidates.
The internal debate over consensus comes at a time when regional disagreements are threatening to escalate. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that the party’s handling of leadership disputes in the South-South and South-East could derail the convention.
Speaking in Abuja, Wike reaffirmed his support for Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary and insisted that Chief Dan Orbih remains the duly elected National Vice Chairman (South-South), following a zonal congress held in Calabar. He warned that failure to recognise the outcome of that congress could spark a fresh wave of crisis.
“The South-East Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, is no longer a member of the party. If the PDP does not resolve these issues, there will be a crisis,” Wike cautioned.
Despite the challenges, preparations for the convention are underway. According to the official timetable, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for national offices will begin on September 3, while screening of aspirants is scheduled for September 30.
The party’s constitution, as amended for 2027, outlines the National Convention as the highest decision-making body, with authority to elect national officers, formulate policies, and make constitutional amendments.
Part X, Section 33 of the constitution grants the convention supreme authority over all party matters, stating that “all officers and organs of the party shall be bound by the decisions of the National Convention.”
Additionally, Part VIII, Section 29 lists the offices within the National Working Committee, including National Chairman, Deputy Chairmen, Secretary, Treasurer, Organising Secretary, and others.
While zoning remains a key factor yet to be announced, insiders believe it will be finalized at the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting later this month. Several party members argue
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