The Traffic

"Power Struggle: Inside the PDP’s Fractured Leadership and Rising 2027 Ambitions"

By Achimi Muktari

As Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election draws nearer, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is once again embroiled in a power struggle that threatens to unravel the party from within. With prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde vying for influence and potential candidacies, the crisis within the PDP shows no signs of slowing down, raising serious concerns over the future of the party.

For months, factions loyal to Atiku and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike have clashed, but the waters grew even murkier when Mohammed, also chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed interest in running for president in 2027. His ambitions, shared by other party elites, have spurred calls to oust the PDP’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, further weakening party unity.

Mohammed’s Offer to Step Down—Under One Condition

The ambitious Bauchi State governor previously hinted at stepping down in favor of former President Goodluck Jonathan, hoping Jonathan could return to PDP and contest for the presidency. Speaking at a Save Africa Initiative event in Abuja, Mohammed called on Jonathan’s experience, suggesting that a second term could provide Nigerians with much-needed economic relief.

However, Jonathan has kept silent on the matter, adding more uncertainty to the PDP’s internal battles.

Damagum’s Position Under Threat

Despite efforts to oust him PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum has managed to retain his position amid swirling doubts. Recently, Bala Mohammed made a surprising shift, publicly affirming his support for Damagum’s leadership just before a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was unexpectedly called off. Mohammed’s endorsement at a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at easing party tensions highlighted the fragility of Damagum’s hold over a divided party.

Factions Rally Behind Makinde

Attention has recently shifted to Seyi Makinde, who has quietly gathered support as a potential candidate for 2027. Some PDP insiders, disillusioned with Atiku’s failed bid in 2023, have been rallying behind Makinde, hopeful that his fresh appeal could bring a new chapter for the party. Makinde’s reluctance to confirm or deny his candidacy, coupled with his vocal stance that the 2027 elections should be "between the ruling APC and Nigerians," has only fueled speculation.

"Atiku Remains PDP’s Biggest Problem," Says Youth Leader

Many within the PDP hold Atiku accountable for the ongoing discord. Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, described Atiku as the party’s “biggest problem.” According to Osadolor, Atiku’s repeated presidential runs and reluctance to appease influential factions—especially the “G-5” governors who opposed former Chairman Iyorchia Ayu’s leadership—have deepened the rift. “Atiku was not serious and sincere about winning that presidency,” an anonymous source said, echoing sentiments that the former vice president’s approach failed to unify the party in 2023.