The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is banking on its forthcoming elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, to reposition itself for the 2027 general election after years of internal crises and defections that weakened its influence.
Once Nigeria’s dominant party for 16 years, the PDP has struggled since losing power to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. Deep divisions between factions loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike fractured the party ahead of the 2023 elections, contributing to its loss to President Bola Tinubu.
The crisis intensified in 2024 when the National Working Committee (NWC) split into two factions following a series of suspensions. Although reconciled by the PDP Governors Forum, disputes resurfaced after the Court of Appeal removed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and appointed Sunday Udeh-Okoye. The legal tussle widened the rift between Wike’s camp and governors like Seyi Makinde and Peter Mbah.
Amid the turbulence, PDP Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba consistently projected optimism, insisting the party remained Nigeria’s strongest opposition with a nationwide grassroots base. His media engagements sought to restore confidence and present the PDP as a democratic platform capable of renewal.
The party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30 marked a breakthrough, reinstating Anyanwu as National Secretary and paving the way for the 101st NEC to approve a national convention. The convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, will elect 19 new NWC members.
However, tensions persist. Wike’s allies have rejected the micro-zoning of positions, warning of fresh crises if their preferred candidates, including Dan Orbih, are not recognised. The party has made limited concessions but insists on proceeding with its arrangements.
Political analyst Prof. Hassan Salihu urged PDP leaders to embrace reconciliation and trade-offs ahead of the Ibadan convention. “This idea of suspending and expelling people may not help the healing process,” he said. “They need consultations, sacrifices, and mutual concessions.”
Despite concerns, Ologunagba remains confident. “The outcome of the convention in Ibadan is going to give birth to a very solid party,” he said. “Nigerians are waiting eagerly for our return.”
As the convention approaches, uncertainty lingers over whether the PDP can finally overcome its divisions and reclaim its place as a formidable opposition or whether internal disputes will once again derail its ambitions.
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