PDP Power Play: Saraki, Wike and Governors Clash Ahead of NEC Showdown

PDP Power Play: Saraki, Wike and Governors Clash Ahead of NEC Showdown

 

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a serious internal power struggle as multiple factions vie for control of the party’s leadership, just weeks ahead of a crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, and the national convention set for August 2025.

 

At the forefront of this battle is Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State. Wike is reportedly pushing for the reinstatement of Sam Anyanwu, the National Secretary who was recently removed, in a bid to consolidate his influence within the party as the convention draws near. His broader goal is to secure the emergence of a new National Chairman from within his faction. Wike’s strategic position within the federal cabinet and his strong relationship with President Bola Tinubu have enabled him to garner support from PDP governors, strengthening his hold within the party as he works to shape its future.

 

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However, Wike’s rise is being actively challenged by a reformist faction led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

 

Saraki, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum’s reconciliation committee, is focused on ensuring that the NEC meeting is conducted fairly and that the upcoming convention remains transparent, preventing any one individual or faction from dominating the leadership of the party. Saraki and his allies are particularly wary of Wike’s growing influence, fearing that it could further divide the party and deepen existing rifts. Their vision centers around decentralizing power and fostering inclusivity across all regions, rather than allowing any single faction to dictate the party’s direction.

 

A third faction, consisting of PDP governors from the South, is taking a more cautious approach. While publicly aligning with Wike in hopes of securing access to the presidency, they are quietly exploring other political partnerships. Their hesitance, driven by individual political interests, places them in a position where they may ultimately gravitate toward whichever faction offers the most political security and future rewards.

 

The internal conflict within the PDP can be traced back to the aftermath of the last national convention, where Wike’s allies filled critical party positions to further their own agenda. Following the removal of former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, attention has now turned to how his replacement will be chosen.

 

According to the party’s constitution, specifically Section 46(6), the North-Central zone — Ayu’s home region — is entitled to nominate three candidates for the chairmanship role. The NEC will select one of these candidates to serve as acting chairman, a position that will be confirmed during a special convention prior to the main convention in August.

 

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to return the current acting chairman, Umar Damagum, to his previous position as Deputy National Chairman, as the party navigates these turbulent waters.

 

As the May 27 NEC meeting looms, the battle for control within the PDP is intensifying, with each faction positioning itself for influence in the lead-up to the August convention. How this internal strife plays out will determine the future trajectory of the opposition party in the coming years.