PDP

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gears up for its crucial National Elective Convention slated for November 15, momentum is building around the battle for the national chairmanship seat, with key political heavyweights Professor Jerry Gana, Kawu Baraje, and Ahmed Makarfi emerging as front-runners.

The contest comes as the party seeks to recover from a prolonged internal crisis and reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum is also reportedly working behind the scenes to solidify his hold on the role by securing it in a substantive capacity.

Party insiders told The PUNCH that stakeholders are leaning toward a consensus arrangement to avoid fresh divisions within the party. Although some leaders are advocating open competition, others believe a consensus approach is essential to maintain stability.

“The party is just coming out of a prolonged crisis and cannot afford to enter another, especially with the 2027 elections around the corner,” one senior party member said.

The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) recently resolved to conduct elections for 19 key positions within the National Working Committee (NWC), including the National Chairman, Deputy Chairmen, National Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, National Legal Adviser, and others, in line with the provisions of its constitution.

While the convention will not elect a presidential candidate, it will serve as a platform to shape the leadership and strategic direction of the party over the next four years. The zoning of offices, a critical element in PDP’s internal politics, is expected to be announced at the next NEC meeting later this month.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has already issued a stern warning, saying the mishandling of leadership distribution in the South-South and South-East could derail the convention.

Meanwhile, within party ranks, tensions continue over whether consensus should override internal democracy.

Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor rejected pressure for a consensus at all costs, calling it a “dangerous democratic shortcut”.

“Let anybody who believes he or she is qualified market their manifesto to the delegates, and let delegates at the convention determine who gets the role,” Osadolor stated.

Yet, many believe consensus may be the party’s only shot at unity. With multiple contenders and complex regional interests in play, insiders warn that zoning and consensus must be carefully balanced to avoid renewed conflict.

A party source disclosed:

“Unless zoning disqualifies them or they change their minds, Gana, Baraje, and Makarfi are interested in leading the party, while Damagum is working to retain his position as substantive National Chairman.”

The November convention is viewed as a critical test for the PDP’s cohesion and its ability to rally a credible opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

As the countdown begins, the party’s future — and its role in shaping Nigeria’s next political chapter — may well be decided not only by who emerges chairman but by how the process unfolds.