Internal tensions within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated further on Tuesday, as governors elected on the party’s platform rejected a purported consensus arrangement for key national leadership roles. The development, linked to a bloc aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has deepened existing divisions within the party.
The governors openly disassociated themselves from the process, arguing that it lacked credibility and due procedure. They maintained that the arrangement would face legal action and would also be reassessed ahead of the party’s national convention slated for March 29–30, suggesting that the dispute may persist in the coming days.
Notwithstanding the opposition, indications emerged that Samuel Anyanwu and Abdulrahman Mohammed had been put forward as agreed candidates for the roles of National Secretary and National Chairman, respectively, under the framework supported by Wike’s camp. This has heightened disagreements, as some party stakeholders feel excluded from the decision-making process.
Individuals within the Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee, who spoke anonymously due to restrictions on public comments, disclosed that the consensus model extended across all geopolitical zones. According to them, agreements had been reached on nominees for various positions within the National Working Committee (NWC). They noted that the objective was to facilitate a hitch-free and orderly convention.
Additional details indicate that zoning considerations influenced the decisions. The chairmanship position was designated for the North-Central region, while the office of National Secretary was assigned to the South. Leaders across the zones were reportedly mandated to deliberate and settle on acceptable candidates for all NWC roles within their jurisdictions.
A source from the North-West explained that the region chose to retain its current structure. Under this arrangement, Sokoto would continue to hold the office of National Organising Secretary, Katsina would produce the National Youth Leader, and Kano would assume the role of Deputy Treasurer. Jigawa, on its part, selected the Zonal Vice Chairman. The source stressed that all resolutions were achieved through mutual agreement.
In the South-East, the National Secretary position remained in Imo State, where Anyanwu was endorsed as the consensus candidate. Other reshuffles in the zone saw Okechukwu Osuoha, formerly Deputy Legal Adviser, move into the role of National Auditor, while Chidebere, a past South-East National Vice Chairman, became Deputy Public Secretary.
The South-West also adopted a similar sharing formula. Oyo was allotted the position of Woman Leader, Osun secured the Treasurer role, Ekiti was assigned Deputy Secretary, and Lagos emerged with the Zonal Vice Chairman slot.
Meanwhile, in the North-East, offices were distributed among the states: Taraba was assigned Deputy National Chairman (North), Bauchi took the Publicity Secretary role, Gombe got Deputy Woman Leader, and Borno was allocated Deputy Financial Secretary. Adamawa, on the other hand, secured the Zonal Vice Chairman position.
Although supporters of the arrangement argue that it will enhance unity and ensure a smooth convention, the resistance from PDP governors indicates that the party’s internal crisis remains unresolved, casting uncertainty over its stability ahead of the crucial national gathering.
