To address the ongoing conflicts that have deepened divisions within its leadership, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled an emergency meeting of its governors in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday. This move comes amid concerns over the unity and stability of the party, which has been entangled in internal disputes since the 2023 elections. The situation escalated during the Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, where a clash between supporters of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye disrupted proceedings.
Furthermore, the emergency meeting, spearheaded by the PDP Governors Forum under Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, aims to address several pressing issues. These include the ongoing National Secretary dispute, preparations for zonal congresses, and the need for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Party leaders are also expected to review the current state of the PDP and the nation at large. The acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, expressed concern over the role of some party leaders in fueling the crisis. He accused them of undermining efforts to restore order by pursuing personal ambitions at the expense of the party’s unity.
Leadership turmoil deepens as national secretary dispute escalates.
Meanwhile, during the BoT meeting, Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye, who were laying claim to the position of National Secretary, clashed over their legitimacy. While the Appeal Court in Enugu upheld Ude-Okoye as National Secretary in December 2024, a subsequent ruling by the Abuja Appeal Court restrained him from assuming office until the Supreme Court delivered its verdict. The confrontation at the BoT meeting saw Ude-Okoye forcibly removed by Anyanwu’s supporters, prompting an outcry from party leaders. Efforts to mediate the dispute resulted in both individuals being allowed to participate in the meeting, pending further resolution by a committee led by former Minister of National Planning Tanimu Turaki.
Factional alignments have further complicated the party’s internal dynamics, with national, zonal, and state members taking sides in the ongoing disputes. Allegations of favouritism and backroom dealings have intensified, with some party members accusing Damagum of colluding with certain leaders to consolidate power. The acting chairman has dismissed these claims, urging party members to prioritise unity over personal ambitions. The BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, expressed frustration at the inability of party stakeholders to resolve their differences, warning that the crisis could undermine the group’s credibility.
2023 election fallout casts a long shadow over the party’s future.
He called for the NEC meeting to be convened as planned in February 2025, describing it as a critical step toward restoring order and addressing the party’s challenges. The group’s internal strife can be traced back to the aftermath of the 2023 elections, which exposed deep divisions within the party. Key figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, have been at odds over the party’s direction. This has created an environment of mistrust and competition that has hindered efforts to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In contrast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has capitalised on the party’s struggles, dismissing the opposition’s leadership crisis as a sign of incompetence. They mocked their inability to manage their affairs, urging the party to learn from their example. This issue has intensified pressure on the group to resolve its internal conflict and present a unified front. However, the stakes could not be higher as they prepare for the emergency summit. The party faces the daunting task of resolving its leadership crisis, restoring unity, and charting a clear path forward.
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With the 2027 general elections on the way, the opposition must act to rebuild its credibility and regain the trust of its members and the Nigerian electorate. Failure to address these challenges could have consequences for the party’s future. The governors and stakeholders of the group must rise above personal interests and work collaboratively to restore stability and focus on their goal of providing a viable alternative to the current administration. This summit represents an opportunity for them to begin this process, but success will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to put the party’s interests above their own.