Chuks Okocha in Abuja

In an upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself in a complex struggle for power. This situation is shaping up into a three-way contest among the party’s state governors, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. This conflict intensifies as the party faces a crisis, highlighted by the recent suspension of its National Vice Chairman for the South East zone, Ali Odefa, by the Oguduokwor Ward in Ebonyi State.

At the heart of this power struggle is the question of who will become the permanent national chairman of the PDP. Ambassador Iliya Damagum has been serving in an acting role since last year, following the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who stepped down after being suspended by his local ward. According to Section 45(2) of the PDP constitution, the role of an acting chairman can remain until a suitable replacement is elected. This provision aims to prevent complications that might arise if Ayu were to be reinstated by the courts later. Essentially, unless a substantive vacancy is officially recognized, the constitution does not mandate a new appointment for key positions like the National Chairman and National Secretary.

With Wike and the PDP governors’ group gaining ground over Atiku’s faction during a recent NEC meeting, the likelihood of Wike’s group gaining influence in the party structure seems probable as they look ahead to the 2027 elections. Should they opt to replace the acting chairman, they might leverage their influence in the North-Central zone to propose candidates they trust. Sources indicate that former Deputy National Secretary Emmanuel Agbo, currently the Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, is being considered as a potential national chairman. Additionally, David Ombagudu, a gubernatorial candidate from Nasarawa State, might also receive backing.

Some insiders believe that Damagum and his supporters could find ways to cling to power until December 9, 2025, when the current NEC’s tenure officially ends. They would draw on Section 45(2) of the PDP constitution, allowing the deputy chairman to act in a situation where the National Chairman cannot perform their duties. However, PDP chieftain Kola Ologbondiyan argues that North-Central has the right to nominate a replacement for Ayu. He affirmed this during a meeting with youth groups in Abuja, stating that Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution still applies and allows for representation from the North-Central states.

The ongoing political maneuvering has divided the PDP’s 13 elected governors. Seven governors, led by Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, are advocating for Damagum’s removal, while four, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, support his continuation. This split leaves a substantial portion of the party’s leadership at odds regarding Damagum’s future.

Tensions escalated further when Damagum’s NWC transferred control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike instead of to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an action that sparked anger among the PDP Governors’ Forum. They believe a state governor should naturally lead the party in their state. A party insider stated, “We have no personal issues with Damagum; our goal is to protect the party’s integrity and ensure that Nigerians have an alternative in future elections.”

As these political rifts widen, an anonymous senior member of the PDP NWC confirmed that Atiku has been reaching out to some of the factions opposed to Damagum. He emphasized that prominent leaders within the party back these efforts, seeking to ensure that the party’s constitution is respected.

Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibeh, noted that the former Vice President’s priority is to realign the PDP with the foundational dreams of its creators. As anticipation builds for the October NEC meeting, the power dynamics within the PDP remain uncertain.

Meanwhile, the party’s internal crisis deepened with the suspension of South East National Vice Chairman Ali Odefa by the Oguduokwor Ward. This decision was made public during a press briefing led by Herbert Onyedikachi, the acting chairman of the PDP in the ward. The suspension, based on alleged anti-party activities, aims to uphold the party’s image and integrity. Following the decision, Odefa has been referred to the Ward Disciplinary Committee for further review, signaling the ongoing struggles within the party as it navigates its future.