Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is currently meeting with serving and former governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to deliberate on the future of the party amid mounting internal challenges.
The strategic meeting is taking place at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
Present at the session are current PDP governors including Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
Also in attendance are several influential former governors still active within the party. They include Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), among others.
The high-level stakeholders’ meeting is expected to focus on the recent wave of defections from the PDP, the delayed National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting tentatively scheduled for May 27, and plans for the party’s convention slated for August.
Key agenda items include resolving the ongoing controversy surrounding the office of the National Secretary, discussions around potential coalitions, and crafting a unified path forward to stabilize the party ahead of future elections.
Silent Rebellion Against Atiku’s 2027 Bid
While the agenda remains officially focused on stabilizing the PDP, party insiders suggest that a core objective of the gathering is to form a counterforce against Atiku’s anticipated 2027 presidential run. The presence of Wike and several governors aligned with his bloc is seen as a strong indicator that this faction is positioning to either align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Sources familiar with the discussion say the group is increasingly leaning toward working for Tinubu’s victory in 2027, citing dissatisfaction with Atiku’s leadership style and the lingering post-2023 fallout within the PDP.
Defections Hit PDP Amid Tensions
The meeting comes on the heels of a growing wave of defections that have rocked the PDP in recent weeks. Just days ago, three lawmakers from Katsina State left the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal strife and weak party cohesion. This brings the total number of lawmakers who have dumped the PDP and other opposition parties for the APC in the 10th National Assembly to over two dozen.
The loss of influential figures and rising internal fractures continue to pose serious threats to the PDP’s future viability, especially ahead of its planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, tentatively slated for May 27, and a national convention expected in August.
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