The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a deepening crisis that could severely affect its prospects in the 2027 elections. This comes just two years after its defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
Governors Distance Themselves from National Leadership
According to the Nigerian Tribune, 12 PDP governors are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the national leadership. Many have distanced themselves from the party’s top officials, raising doubts about the PDP’s ability to regroup for future elections.
Shift Toward Alliances with APC or New Coalitions
At least five PDP governors are exploring alliances with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or other political coalitions. This shift largely stems from tensions surrounding the influence of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike’s Influence Deepens Division Within the Party
Wike’s allies in the National Working Committee (NWC) have fueled the growing divide within the party. Acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum faces criticism for his loyalty to Wike, with many arguing that it has paralyzed the PDP’s ability to respond to national issues.
Makinde’s Endorsement Further Divides the Party
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has added to the turmoil by endorsing Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the PDP’s National Secretary. This move directly contradicts Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s claim to the post, highlighting the party’s internal rift.
Tensions Rise Between Makinde and Wike
Makinde’s relationship with Wike remains unclear, especially after their collaboration in the G5 group that opposed the PDP presidential ticket in 2023. Tensions between Wike and other key governors, like Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, have worsened the party’s internal struggles.
Lack of Engagement at the National Secretariat
In recent months, PDP governors have largely avoided the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. This lack of engagement has contributed to stagnation within the party, preventing it from attracting credible candidates for key upcoming elections, like the Anambra State gubernatorial race.
Financial Challenges and Lack of Support from Governors
The PDP faces significant financial challenges as it can no longer rely on state governors for funding. One senior official expressed frustration, stating, “The governors have not given us the money to run the party, but we have been trying.”
Party Struggles to Address Internal Dissent
Despite Wike’s controversial actions, the party has not taken any disciplinary steps against him. A senior NWC member admitted, “Wike has done everything against the party. But we can’t do anything.” The party’s inaction has allowed the crisis to continue.
Political Attacks and Wike’s Revenge Tactics
The PDP has also faced political attacks, such as the revocation of its Certificate of Occupancy for its national secretariat by the FCT administration. Many view this as politically motivated, stemming from Wike’s ongoing feud with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
Wike’s Desire for Revenge
According to one senior NWC member, Wike’s actions are driven by a desire for revenge. “The best way to get back at them is to cripple them from within and make sure Atiku doesn’t get the ticket in 2027,” the member explained. This tactic is seen as a way to undermine his rivals within the party.
Party Officials Downplay Financial Issues
Despite these struggles, party officials continue to deny claims of financial mismanagement. Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, dismissed the claims as “falsehoods,” while Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, declined to comment on the ongoing issues.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
