The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a deepening internal crisis, primarily centered around the South-South zonal leadership and exacerbated by ongoing litigation and power struggles within the National Working Committee (NWC). The conflict stems from the disputed South-South zonal congress held in Calabar, which saw the re-election of Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman, despite a court order and the absence of four South-South governors. This action, supported by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, has been rejected by a faction of the party aligned with the PDP Governors Forum and the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. The NWC subsequently appointed a caretaker committee for the South-South zone, a move vehemently rejected by Orbih and Wike’s camp, who claim the decision lacked the NWC’s approval and accuse the party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, of acting unilaterally.
The power struggle within the PDP is further complicated by accusations of sabotage and personal agendas. Orbih alleges that Ologunagba is acting out of personal motivations to embarrass the party leadership, while a source from Wike’s camp claims some NWC members are deliberately trying to undermine the PDP and then shift the blame onto Wike. Conversely, a source from the opposing camp, aligned with Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, asserts that the caretaker committee appointment was approved by the four South-South governors who boycotted the Calabar congress, citing Orbih’s alleged unilateral actions and violation of the party’s constitution. This conflicting narrative highlights the deep divisions and mistrust within the party, with each side accusing the other of acting illegitimately and jeopardizing the PDP’s future.
Adding to the turmoil, the PDP has repeatedly postponed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for March 13th, and now pushed back to May 15th. This delay is attributed to ongoing litigation concerning the position of National Secretary, a position currently contested by Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye. The postponement is intended to allow time for the Supreme Court to resolve this legal battle and facilitate broader consultations on pressing party matters. However, the delay has further fueled criticism of Damagum’s leadership, with growing calls for his resignation amid the escalating crisis.
The repeated postponements of the NEC meeting underscore the party’s struggle to address its internal conflicts. The 98th NEC meeting, held in April 2024, failed to resolve key issues, leading to a deepening of the crisis and impacting state and zonal chapters. Subsequent attempts to reschedule the 99th NEC meeting have been unsuccessful, highlighting the difficulty in achieving consensus and implementing solutions. The PDP Governors Forum and the Board of Trustees have expressed concerns over the delays, emphasizing the need for urgent action to restore order and confidence within the party.
The controversy surrounding the South-South zonal leadership is a microcosm of the larger power struggle within the PDP. The dispute exemplifies the conflicting loyalties and competing interests that are paralyzing the party’s ability to function effectively. Wike’s influence and the challenge to the NWC’s authority have created a volatile situation, with accusations of unconstitutional actions and disregard for due process being traded between the opposing factions. The ongoing legal battles, particularly regarding the National Secretary position, further complicate the situation, preventing the party from moving forward and addressing the underlying causes of its internal strife.
The confluence of these factors – the South-South zonal leadership dispute, the postponed NEC meetings, the ongoing litigation, and the accusations of sabotage – paints a picture of a party in deep crisis. The PDP’s ability to overcome these challenges and present a united front remains uncertain. The continued infighting and power struggles not only weaken the party’s internal structure but also damage its public image and erode the trust of its members. The need for strong leadership and a commitment to resolving internal conflicts is paramount if the PDP hopes to regain its stability and effectively challenge its political rivals.
