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PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike Camp Rejects Zoning Talks with Makinde, Diri

Governors to meet in Zamfara over November convention deadlock

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected the Southern Leaders’ Zoning Consultative meeting convened in Lagos on Wednesday.

The development comes just weeks ahead of the party’s National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, a gathering many analysts believe will determine the PDP’s survival ahead of the 2027 elections.

Governors to Meet in Zamfara

A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee confirmed that the PDP Governors’ Forum is set to meet in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Saturday to deliberate on key issues threatening to derail the Ibadan convention.

“The governors will arrive in Zamfara on Friday and hold discussions on Saturday. The focus is to ensure that the convention holds as scheduled and that the party comes out stronger,” the source said, adding that the leaders had agreed to pursue “political solutions” where possible, but were ready to apply “institutional force” through party structures if necessary.

Wike’s Camp Rejects Lagos Meeting

Earlier on Thursday, PDP leaders loyal to Wike dismissed the outcome of the Lagos “Southern Zoning Consultative Summit” chaired by Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri.

In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by PDP chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, alongside National Assembly leaders and other stakeholders, the group condemned the Lagos parley as “illegal, divisive, and convened without proper consultation.”

They alleged that several national officers, state chairmen, and influential stakeholders from the South-East and South-South were excluded, describing the process as “Nicodemous” and a plot to protect “selfish ambitions.”

“Any resolutions or communiqués emanating from the Lagos meeting are neither binding on, nor reflective of, the collective will of PDP members across Southern Nigeria,” the statement read.

The signatories, including Minority Leader of the House of Representatives O. K. Chinda, Senators Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, and Mike Nnachi, as well as former PDP National Secretary Onwe S. Onwe, warned the National Working Committee against adopting the outcome of the Lagos talks.

Makinde Fires Back

Reacting to the boycott, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde defended the Lagos meeting, insisting it was aimed at repositioning the PDP.

“Personally, when people go low or go into the gutters, I don’t go with them. This is democracy. I can disagree with people, but it should not be personal. Nigerians are watching,” Makinde said.

He dismissed fears of disunity, noting that the PDP still commands significant influence nationwide. “Recent elections showed that PDP is not dead. In most of the 12 states, PDP came second. If we work harder, we can regain the confidence of Nigerians,” he added.

Makinde also clarified that the issue of zoning the 2027 presidential ticket had not yet arisen. “First, we need to have a united party. Talking about candidates now is premature,” he stressed.

Convention Crucial to PDP’s Survival

The 44-member zoning committee, chaired by Governor Diri, has been tasked with recommending how to share the 19 National Working Committee positions between the North and South. Its proposals will be debated at the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday.

Party insiders believe the outcome of the Ibadan convention will determine whether the PDP remains a viable opposition force or continues its slide into irrelevance after losing power in 2015.

Wike Aligns with Tinubu Allies

Meanwhile, in a separate event on Thursday, Wike appeared to distance himself further from the PDP mainstream. Speaking at the flag-off of Lot 2 Water Supply Projects in Karu, Abuja, the minister praised local leaders who “support Tinubu” and pledged to back them regardless of party affiliation.

“For me, I will support anyone who supports President Tinubu. Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him,” Wike declared, fueling speculation about his political loyalties.

What Next for PDP?

With governors and party elders converging in Zamfara this weekend, observers say the stakes could not be higher. The meeting is expected to decide whether the PDP can patch its internal rifts in time for the Ibadan convention or face another round of bitter divisions that could cripple its 2027 ambitions.

As one PDP insider put it:

“The Ibadan convention is not just another party gathering. It is a battle for the soul and survival of the PDP.”

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna