The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is engulfed in a deepening internal crisis that threatens to completely destabilise the party, with reports indicating that four sitting governors are on the verge of defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This potential mass exodus, which would deliver a major blow to the PDP’s chances in the 2027 general elections, comes just weeks before its crucial national convention scheduled for November in Ibadan. The growing discord is primarily fuelled by sharp disagreements over the micro-zoning of key national offices, particularly the powerful position of National Chairman.
The contest for the National Chairman slot has fractured the party into three distinct power blocs, highlighting the deep divisions that persist from the last election cycle. One formidable group is loyal to the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who is championing a move to zone the post to the North-Central, with a line-up that includes former Governor Samuel Ortom. A second influential faction is led by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, which is pushing for a North-West candidate like former Kaduna Governor, Ahmed Makarfi. The third bloc is headed by the incumbent National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who is from the North-East and is determined to retain his position.
Amidst this internal turmoil, governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) have reportedly concluded plans to abandon the party. Governor Mbah’s discontent, for instance, stems from the renewed uncertainty over the National Secretary position, which was previously a point of contention in the South-East zone. His concerns are compounded by the actions of Senator Anyanwu, a Wike ally, who was reinstated to the position and has since vowed to align with the FCT Minister’s faction, further complicating the party’s attempts at unity ahead of its NEC meeting on 15th October.
The crisis is being compounded by the renewed assertiveness of the Wike-led faction, which has recently issued a six-point demand. This group, which also includes former governors like Ayo Fayose and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, is rejecting any form of micro-zoning and is demanding the recognition of the South-South congress held in Calabar, a move designed to strengthen their position against the party’s central leadership. With the party struggling to harmonise its positions ahead of the convention, the atmosphere of confusion is proving intolerable for the governors who are now seeking more stable political platforms.
Adding another layer of complexity to the opposition landscape, former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly exploring a separate political alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of an alleged comeback bid. These concurrent developments within the PDP, from the zoning deadlock to the threat of gubernatorial defections, underscore the monumental task facing the party’s leadership. The Ibadan National Convention is now shrouded in uncertainty, with the opposition party facing its most severe existential threat since the 2023 elections.
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