The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s leading opposition party, is currently embroiled in intense internal disagreements, particularly between the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and other southern party leaders. This discord came to the forefront following a Southern Zoning Consultative Summit held in Lagos, organized by Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde. The summit’s primary agenda was to deliberate on the pdp-to-zone-2027-presidency-to-south/” title=”Wike urges … to zone 2027 presidency to south”>zoning of national party offices and strategize for the forthcoming national convention slated for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan.

Defying Boycott Calls: Southern Leaders Convene Despite Wike’s Opposition

Although Wike’s faction urged a boycott of the Lagos summit, a significant number of prominent southern PDP figures attended. Governors Duoye Diri of Bayelsa and Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu joined Governor Makinde in efforts to consolidate the southern bloc’s stance ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The discussions centered on ensuring fair power distribution within the party and reinforcing PDP’s national influence.

Governor Makinde Champions Inclusiveness and Party Revival

After the summit, Governor Makinde emphasized the diverse representation at the meeting, which included current and former governors, senior party elders, and key legislators. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to regaining its foothold in Nigeria’s political arena, highlighting the importance of unity and strategic planning.

“The southern PDP has made commendable progress through this consultative process. As we approach the NEC meeting, we will continue engaging all stakeholders. Contrary to assertions that PDP is defunct, the presence of high-caliber leaders-including former Senate President and Board of Trustees Chairman-reflects our determination to restore PDP’s rightful position in Nigerian politics,” Makinde declared.

He further noted that twelve out of seventeen southern states’ zoning committee members were actively involved, alongside representatives from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the consultations.

Advocating for Democratic Dialogue Amidst Political Tensions

Governor Makinde avoided responding directly to personal criticisms, implicitly addressing Wike’s disparaging remarks and threats toward party leadership. He stressed the necessity of prioritizing democratic discourse and the party’s overarching goals above individual conflicts.

“Disagreements are inherent in any democracy, but they must not become personal. Our priority is to offer Nigerians a credible alternative, and the nation is watching our conduct closely,” he remarked.

Makinde also pointed to the PDP’s recent electoral successes, including a strong performance in Oyo State’s elections and second-place finishes in twelve other southern states, as evidence of the party’s resilience and potential for resurgence.

Wike’s Camp Rejects Summit, Alleges Marginalization

In stark contrast, Minister Wike and his supporters condemned the Lagos summit, accusing organizers of excluding key stakeholders. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives and a Wike ally, issued a statement criticizing the omission of several state chairmen from the South East and South South zones, as well as national party officials.

“It is deeply concerning that vital leaders and national officers-including the Minority Leader and other principal party figures from the South-South and South-East-were excluded from discussions on critical issues like zoning and power rotation,” Chinda’s statement asserted.

The faction warned that any attempt to validate the summit’s resolutions without addressing these concerns would face staunch opposition, in line with the party’s constitution.

Disputes Over South-South Leadership Recognition

The conflict also extends to the legitimacy of the South-South zonal congress held in Calabar, which elected Dan Orbih as Vice Chairman. Wike’s faction insists on recognizing this congress for the national convention to proceed. However, the PDP National Working Committee, led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, declared the congress invalid and appointed Emmanuel Ogidi as acting Vice Chairman for the South-South zone, citing adherence to party regulations.

Distinguished PDP Figures at the Lagos Summit

The Lagos summit attracted several notable PDP personalities, including Senate Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Deputy Chairman South Bode George, Chief Ben Obi, Chief Dan Ulasi, former South West Vice Chairman Eddy Olasefan, ex-Ebonyi State Governor Senator Sam Egwu, and former House of Representatives member Jones Onyeriri.

Other prominent attendees included former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, ex-Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, and former Oyo State Speaker Jumoke Akinjide, alongside other senior party leaders.

Charting a Course for PDP’s Reconciliation and Future Success

As the PDP approaches the NEC meeting on August 25 and the national convention in November, the party stands at a crossroads. Resolving internal disputes, especially between the Wike faction and other southern leaders, will be crucial for presenting a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political analysts observe that with Nigeria’s electorate increasingly demanding credible alternatives, the PDP’s internal unity will be a decisive factor in its ability to remain the foremost opposition party.