Stakeholders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are advocating for a consensus approach in selecting a new party chairman ahead of the National Convention scheduled for November 15. Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, ex-party chairman Kawu Baraje, and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi are reportedly among those eyeing the coveted position.
Reliable party sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation, revealed to *The PUNCH* that acting National Chairman Umar Damagum is also positioning himself to secure the role substantively.
Meanwhile, members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) have urged that credible and competent individuals with proven track records should contest, though opinions remain divided on whether a consensus candidate should emerge.
Wike Sounds Warning over Leadership Zones
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, cautioned that the PDP’s handling of leadership positions in the South-South and South-East regions could undermine the success of the upcoming convention, which is set to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Reacting to these developments, Bala Ibrahim, Director of Publicity for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claimed that internal conflicts and personality rivalries within the PDP could foreshadow the party’s collapse at the November convention.
PDP’s Recent Turbulence and Rebuilding Efforts
The PDP recently emerged from a prolonged internal crisis that lasted several months, during which several key party members defected to the APC and the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. To reposition itself, the party resolved at its 101st NEC meeting on July 24 to convene a National Elective Convention to elect 19 new members into its National Working Committee (NWC).
According to the party’s 2027 amended Constitution (Part X, Section 33), the National Convention is the supreme authority within the party, empowered to formulate policies, elect or remove national officers, and oversee the party’s governance and discipline. The convention also holds exclusive power to amend the party’s constitution.
The main focus of the November convention will be the election of a new NWC to steer the party for the next four years.
Structure of the National Working Committee
Part VIII, Section 29 of the constitution outlines the NWC’s composition to include the National Chairman, two Deputy National Chairmen, National Secretary, Deputy National Secretary, National Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organising Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Auditor, Legal Adviser, Woman Leader, Youth Leader, and National Vice Chairmen.
Consensus or Contest?
A reliable source disclosed to OBSERVERS TIMES that party machinery is being put in place to ensure the convention proceeds as scheduled, emphasizing the expiration of the current NWC’s tenure by December. The source confirmed that zoning arrangements would be clarified at the next NEC meeting later this month.
“Some leaders are advocating for consensus for all NWC positions to preserve party unity,” the source said. “With the 2027 elections around the corner, the party cannot afford another crisis.”
However, another insider insisted that only a consensus arrangement can prevent a post-convention crisis. “The party has adopted consensus approaches before. With several aspirants including Gana, Baraje, Makarfi, and Damagum, zoning and consensus will be critical to managing the process effectively.”
Attempts by *The PUNCH* to reach Damagum, Makarfi, Baraje, and Gana were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered or were redirected.
Voices from Within: Pro-Contest and Pro-Consensus Views
Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor argued that every party member has the right to contest and warned against consensus stifling democracy. “Consensus is a dangerous democratic right if it stifles competition,” he said. Osadolor urged aspirants to campaign and allow delegates to decide based on merit.
Former Deputy Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi expressed caution, preferring to await all aspirants before making a judgment. “The party needs strong leadership after recent crises. Consensus based on qualifications and past performance is preferable,” he said.
Former National Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso called for inclusiveness and stressed the importance of competence. “Democracy allows competition, but performance and pedigree will be decisive. We want to strengthen internal democracy to prepare the party for future elections,” Olafeso noted.
The PDP’s November convention represents a critical juncture as the party seeks to unify and rebuild ahead of the 2027 general elections. Whether consensus or contest prevails, the outcome will shape the party’s trajectory in the coming years.
