The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a worsening crisis after Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike held a surprise stakeholders’ meeting with embattled National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu on Monday. The controversial gathering, which excluded key organs of the party, has intensified internal divisions and raised questions over Wike’s authority.
The meeting, seen by many as illegitimate, deepened the ongoing feud over the party’s national secretary position. Though both the Supreme Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognise Anyanwu’s claim, influential PDP factions, especially within the South-East and Governors’ Forum, continue to back Sunday Ude-Okoye as his replacement.
PDP’s constitution requires due process for the removal of any national officer. However, failed attempts to install Ude-Okoye due to procedural lapses have left the party in limbo. INEC’s continued recognition of Anyanwu means no NEC meeting can be validly convened without his signature, effectively paralysing the party’s decision-making process.
Wike’s closed-door Abuja meeting, attended by Anyanwu but boycotted by NEC, NWC and most governors—including ally Governor Seyi Makinde—sparked further outrage. The absence of formal communication for the event has been interpreted by insiders as a reflection of growing cracks within Wike’s support base.
A communiqué issued after a June 9 emergency session of “Eminent Stakeholders” insisted on Anyanwu’s legitimacy and called for the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. It warned that internal sabotage could lead to the PDP’s downfall, describing the party as “heading for self-destruction.”
The crisis has also split the South-East. One faction, led by Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, supports Ude-Okoye, while the other, loyal to Anyanwu, insists only he can issue valid NEC notices. With INEC backing the latter, party insiders warn any primary election held without him could be nullified.
The stalemate has stalled preparations for 2027. Presidential hopefuls like Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed risk disqualification if the crisis continues unresolved.
Meanwhile, prominent figures like former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam and ex-PDP spokesman Diran Odeyemi have urged immediate reforms. They warn that without constitutional adherence and credible leadership, the PDP risks becoming irrelevant ahead of the next general elections.
Despite assurances that the issues may be resolved by August or November, when the party’s convention is expected, analysts say time is running out. The PDP’s path to recovery hinges on urgent reconciliation and internal discipline. Without these, the party’s 2027 presidential dream may collapse under the weight of its own divisions.
