By Ebenezer Mabinuola
In a bid to stem internal crises and reposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections, key stakeholders—including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, serving PDP governors, and influential former governors – convened in Abuja on Sunday for a high-stakes strategy session.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, comes at a turbulent time for the party, which has been rocked by defections, leadership disputes, and growing questions about its future direction. The immediate priority, according to insiders, is to prevent further disintegration of party structures and to prepare for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting tentatively scheduled for May 27, as well as the national convention in August.
Deliberations also touched on sensitive matters, including the ongoing leadership tussle over the position of National Secretary, potential coalitions, and the PDP’s presidential zoning strategy – amid speculation that the 2027 ticket could be offered to a Southerner under a one-term agreement to placate internal factions and possibly facilitate a Northern return in 2031.
Wike’s attendance was especially significant. Once a central figure in the G5 faction that challenged the party leadership after the contentious 2022 presidential primaries, he has since maintained a controversial alliance with the APC-led federal government. His presence at the meeting – alongside G5 allies such as former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) – has reignited speculation about a possible reconciliation or strategic repositioning ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Wike arrived around 9:23 p.m., dressed in a black jalabiya and white cap, and was warmly received by stakeholders. His participation was seen by some as a softening of stance and a potential opening for renewed dialogue within the PDP.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, the only sitting G5 member, continues to play a pivotal role as a mediator between Wike’s bloc and the party establishment.
Presiding over the meeting was Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum. Other governors in attendance included Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, rumored to be gravitating toward the APC, was notably absent.
Former governors present included Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), among others.
The acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and several members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were also in attendance. According to sources, the discussions were frank and focused on immediate threats to party unity, including recent defections such as that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC.
There are concerns that if key issues remain unresolved, the upcoming NEC meeting could be derailed, further jeopardizing the August convention and the party’s ability to present a unified front in 2027.
Complicating the situation is the uncertain political future of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. There is growing speculation about his possible defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which could disrupt existing plans for a PDP presidential ticket. Meanwhile, Dame Patience Jonathan’s public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu has dampened speculation that her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, might make another run under the PDP banner.
Adding to the intrigue, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has predicted a wave of defections from the APC back to the PDP, even naming APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje as a possible returnee. Speaking at a PDP congress in Dutse, Lamido sharply criticized the Tinubu administration, branding it “inept and divisive.”
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently suspended amid a prolonged political face-off with Wike, urged calm during a memorial event in Port Harcourt. Emphasizing strategic patience and legal resolution, Fubara said he remains at peace with his position.
Sunday’s meeting follows a previous gathering in Ibadan three weeks earlier, where PDP governors reportedly rejected a proposed anti-APC coalition involving Atiku and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. That decision has only deepened the party’s internal fragmentation.
Still, Sunday’s discussions appeared to offer a glimmer of hope. Several party insiders described Wike’s involvement as “a breakthrough,” suggesting it could pave the way for broader reconciliation if trust can be rebuilt.
As both the APC and Labour Party undergo internal realignments, the PDP now finds itself at a crossroads. Whether this latest show of unity is the start of genuine healing or merely a tactical pause remains unclear. But for now, the party’s leadership has won a critical window to regroup, refocus, and reclaim its footing ahead of 2027.
