Pius Nsabe
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) heads toward its crucial National Convention slated for November 15, 2025, the contest for the party’s top job is heating up—with three political heavyweights, Jerry Gana, Kawu Baraje, and Ahmed Makarfi, reportedly eyeing the position of National Chairman.
Behind the scenes, the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is not just warming the seat—he’s fighting to stay in power. Sources within the party suggest that Damagum is quietly mobilising support to make his position permanent, a move that could further complicate an already divided race.
After months of internal crises and defections, the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved at its 101st meeting on July 24 to restructure the party by electing 19 new members into the National Working Committee (NWC). Yet the path forward remains contentious. While some voices advocate for a consensus candidate to maintain party unity, others insist on a full-fledged democratic contest.
Notably, senior figures like Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former Deputy Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi have voiced opposition to consensus arrangements, warning they risk stifling internal democracy. Osadolor cautioned that consensus is a dangerous democratic right and insisted that all interested aspirants should be allowed to campaign and subject themselves to the will of party delegates. On the other hand, Odeyemi urged caution, describing consensus as potentially the most effective way to preserve peace in a party still recovering from a leadership crisis.
While the race for the chairmanship dominates headlines, deep-seated zoning issues threaten to ignite fresh chaos. Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has raised alarm over the PDP leadership’s refusal to recognise the zonal congress that produced Chief Dan Orbih as South-South Vice Chairman. He also pointed to the unresolved issue of Ali Odefa’s removal as South-East Vice Chairman following a court order.
Wike warned that if these concerns remain unresolved, the convention itself could descend into turmoil. Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, he stated that the party must do the right thing by acknowledging the outcomes of validly held congresses, otherwise it risks slipping into another crisis. He noted that the party acted correctly by reaffirming Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary but warned that unresolved issues in the South could undermine the convention.
According to the PDP Constitution, the National Convention is the party’s highest decision-making body and holds broad powers, including amending the Constitution, electing party officers, and formulating policy. While the November convention won’t select a presidential candidate, it will be pivotal in shaping the direction of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The process is already underway. Nomination and Expression of Interest forms will be available from September 3, with screening scheduled for September 30. However, zoning arrangements—which will determine regional eligibility for positions—remain undecided and are expected to be finalised at the next NEC meeting later this month.
A party insider told The Journal Nigeria that the leadership is working to ensure a smooth, crisis-free convention, with consensus being pushed as a strategic necessity. The source explained that the party cannot afford fresh divisions, especially with elections less than two years away. While aspirants like Damagum are mobilising for support, the names of Gana, Baraje and Makarfi continue to feature in internal consultations, making the need for clear zoning guidelines and early decisions even more urgent.
Though yet to formally declare, the three veterans are quietly lining up support. Professor Jerry Gana, known for his ideological convictions, Baraje with deep grassroots ties, and Makarfi, a former national caretaker chairman, each brings unique credentials. However, their past records and leadership styles may become points of comparison as the party seeks a new direction.
Opinions remain split on whether the PDP should prioritise open competition or controlled consensus. Former National Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso emphasised that democratic contests are essential, but consensus could offer a way to heal internal wounds and present a united front in 2027. He argued that consensus promotes stability, reduces cost, and ensures give-and-take within the party. Olafeso acknowledged past mistakes and said the party must now focus on fairness, equity, and communication to rebuild its strength and appeal.
From across the aisle, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is watching with a mixture of scorn and indifference. APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, mocked the PDP’s ability to conduct a successful convention, describing it as a party in intensive care. He questioned how a fractured party moving from one crisis to another could contemplate holding a meaningful convention.
Whether through consensus or competitive elections, the PDP’s November convention will be more than a leadership reshuffle—it could determine whether the party remains a viable force in Nigeria’s 2027 political landscape. Unity, strategy, and a clear message to the Nigerian people are now essential if the PDP is to avoid repeating past mistakes. The clock is ticking—and the party’s future may well hang in the balance.