The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set for a pivotal week of meetings that could shape the party’s future, amid growing internal divisions and strategic positioning for the 2027 general elections. The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2023, follows closely on the heels of a caucus meeting and a session with the Board of Trustees (BoT), highlighting the urgency of addressing several critical issues facing the party.
Key Issues on the Table
The agenda for the upcoming NEC meeting, while not explicitly stating it, is expected to touch upon several sensitive topics:
- Party Discipline and Cohesion: The PDP is looking to tighten ranks and enforce discipline among its members as it prepares for upcoming state governorship elections in Edo and Ondo.
- Merger Talks: Discussions are also anticipated regarding the potential merging of opposition parties, aiming to consolidate forces against the ruling party in future elections.
- 2027 Elections and Regional Tensions: Although not officially slated for discussion, the 2027 general elections are likely to be a significant undercurrent during the meetings, especially concerning the strategic positioning of the PDP’s regional blocs.
Regional Divides and Power Shift Dynamics
Insiders reveal that the party is experiencing divides along regional lines, particularly between governors from the North and the South. This rift partly stems from the ambitions tied to the 2027 elections and differing views on power shifts. Southern governors, while appreciative of President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure initiatives, remain loyal to the PDP. Conversely, Northern leaders are pushing for a return of presidential power to the region, citing past precedents and political dynamics shaped during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
Leadership Vacancies and Suswam’s Plea
Adding to the party’s challenges is the vacancy in the national chairmanship position following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorcha Ayu. Gabriel Suswam, a former governor of Benue State, has publicly expressed his desire to fill this role, arguing that his experience and political acumen make him a suitable candidate to lead the PDP through turbulent times. Suswam’s plea to complete Ayu’s tenure is grounded in the party’s zoning rules, which favor the North Central region, and his personal political influence within Benue State.
Potential Outcomes
The outcomes of this week’s meetings are critical. They could either pave the way for a unified approach to upcoming elections and strengthen the party’s national cohesion or deepen the regional divides, possibly leading to a split between Northern and Southern factions within the party. The PDP’s ability to navigate these complex issues will be instrumental in its bid to reassert itself as a formidable opposition party in Nigeria.
As these meetings unfold, the PDP stands at a crossroads, with its actions now likely to have far-reaching implications for its future and the broader political landscape of Nigeria.
