The political landscape within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is increasingly fraught with divisions as the party prepares for a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting now scheduled for November 28. This meeting was originally set for October 24 but was postponed due to the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State on November 16. PDP governors, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), and the National Assembly caucus were involved in the decision to delay.
Senator Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, indicated that the party aims to approach the Ondo election with a united front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, internal disagreements regarding the party’s leadership and future strategy are becoming increasingly evident.
Sources within the party reveal a split among governors, with factions emerging in support of and against forming a coalition with other political entities. Some members advocate for a collaboration with the Labour Party and elements from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is reportedly in discussions with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and others to build this coalition.
On the other hand, there are factions within the PDP that oppose this coalition strategy. Certain governors with presidential aspirations believe the PDP can win independently, while the influence of Nyesom Wike, who reportedly seeks to weaken the party’s position, complicates matters further. The ongoing factionalization is evident, with only five out of 13 governors attending the recent meeting.
The leadership crisis is exemplified by the contentious status of Ambassador Umar Damagum as the acting National Chairman of the PDP. Disagreements between Governor Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde highlight the lack of consensus on whether Damagum should remain in his position or be replaced. A court ruling currently prevents the PDP from replacing Damagum until December of the following year, when the current NWC’s tenure ends.
As the November 28 meeting approaches, it is expected to address these leadership issues and potentially mark the end of Damagum’s acting chairmanship. Additionally, the involvement of retired military figures in supporting the coalition against Tinubu underscores the high stakes and strategic maneuvering within the party as it navigates its future direction.