Internal debates within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are intensifying, as key party figures express conflicting opinions over calls for the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
The controversy follows a recent meeting in Abuja, led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a coalition of concerned stakeholders, including members of the G-5 governors' group.
At the meeting, Wike and his allies not only reaffirmed support for Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary but also demanded that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket be zoned to the southern region of the country.
However, their position has drawn mixed reactions from other party leaders, signaling growing divisions within the PDP's ranks.
Jones Onyereri Faults Recent NEC Meeting
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jones Onyereri, criticized the recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, arguing that it was not validly convened. In an interview with Vanguard, he pointed out that the meeting did not follow due process as outlined in the PDP constitution.
“The NEC meeting was not properly convened. According to Section 47, subsections 1, 2, 3, and 5 of our constitution, only the National Secretary has the legal mandate to issue notices for such gatherings. In this case, Senator Anyanwu neither issued nor endorsed the meeting in fact, he wrote to confirm its cancellation,” Onyereri explained.
He insisted that Senator Anyanwu remains the duly recognized National Secretary of the party and that a communiqué to that effect had already been issued by prominent stakeholders.
On the matter of zoning, Onyereri maintained that the South deserves the presidential ticket in 2027.
“The principle of zoning is enshrined in the PDP constitution, and our recent communiqué explicitly called for the 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South,” he stated.
Bode George Warns Against Public Disputes
Meanwhile, Chief Bode George, a respected PDP elder and former Deputy National Chairman of the party, has urged restraint. He cautioned against washing the party’s dirty linen in public, warning that the current trend of open confrontations could undermine the PDP’s unity and expose internal strategies to political opponents.
“We have a functioning national executive, and we should not discuss internal family matters in the public arena. A meeting is scheduled for June 30. Everyone should exercise patience and wait for the official platform to address these concerns,” George advised.
“This public bickering is becoming unhealthy. I appeal to all party members to maintain decorum.”
Umar Bature Aligns with Wike-Led Group
On the other hand, Umar Bature, PDP’s National Organising Secretary, appeared to side with the Wike-led group. In a separate interview, he dismissed suggestions that the communiqué released by the group was contrary to the party’s stance.
“I don’t see anything in the communiqué that contradicts the PDP’s official position,” Bature said.
“As for the issue of the secretaryship, the legal standing is very clear. Some individuals are just being mischievous. But if we continue to disregard our own rules, the party is at serious risk.”
Conclusion: Deepening Tensions Ahead of 2027
The back-and-forth among PDP leaders highlights the delicate power dynamics as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. While zoning remains a sensitive topic rooted in the party's constitution, consensus appears elusive, with high-ranking figures now openly at odds over strategy and legitimacy.
As the PDP’s June 30 NEC meeting approaches, stakeholders and observers alike are watching closely to see whether unity can be restored or whether the internal fissures will deepen further.
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