Paragraph 1: Internal Strife and Zonal Congresses
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, grappled with deep-seated internal divisions in the lead-up to its 2025 National Elective Convention. These tensions, stemming from the aftermath of the 2023 elections, fractured the party’s key organs, including the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and various zonal chapters. Despite these challenges, the PDP pressed forward with its scheduled zonal congresses in the South-South, South-East, and North-East regions, aiming to elect new Zonal Working Committees and National Ex-officio members. This move, intended to revitalize the party’s structure, instead further exposed the underlying fissures and power struggles within its ranks.
Paragraph 2: Defiance of Court Orders and Contested Outcomes
The zonal congresses were marred by controversy and defiance of court orders. In the North-East, despite a Federal High Court injunction, the PDP proceeded with its congress in Bauchi, electing Babangida Umar as the new Zonal Chairman. Similarly, the South-East zone defied a restraining order from the FCT High Court and reaffirmed Ali Odefa as Zonal Chairman in a congress held in Enugu. These actions highlighted a growing disregard for legal processes within the party and exacerbated existing factionalism. The insistence on holding the congresses despite judicial intervention signaled a willingness to prioritize internal power dynamics over adherence to the rule of law.
Paragraph 3: The South-South Debacle and NWC Disavowal
The South-South zonal congress proved particularly contentious. A Rivers State High Court issued a restraining order, yet the congress proceeded in Calabar, Cross River State, declaring Dan Orbih the winner. This action drew sharp criticism and a formal disavowal from the PDP’s NWC, which publicly distanced itself from the Calabar gathering, emphasizing that it had postponed the South-South congress. The NWC’s statement further highlighted the deep divisions within the party, with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike supporting the contested congress, while other South-South governors aligned with the NWC’s position. This public rift further weakened the party’s image and exposed the power struggle between different factions.
Paragraph 4: Escalating Tensions and Concerns for the Future
The defiance of court orders and the conflicting claims of legitimacy surrounding the zonal congresses deepened the crisis within the PDP. The party’s internal struggles, evident in previous ward and state congresses, raised serious concerns about the feasibility of a smooth and unified National Elective Convention. The repeated pattern of legal battles and factional infighting threatened to further destabilize the party and undermine its ability to present a cohesive opposition. The growing internal dissent cast a shadow over the PDP’s future and its ability to effectively challenge the ruling party.
Paragraph 5: Calls for Reform and Reconciliation
Prominent PDP members voiced concerns about the escalating crisis and the potential for long-term damage. Party chieftain and BoT member Olabode George lamented the prioritizing of personal ambitions over the party’s overall well-being, emphasizing the need for internal reconciliation. The controversial South-South Zonal Vice Chairman, Dan Orbih, pointed to a disregard for the party’s constitution and called for the election of leaders committed to upholding its principles. These calls for reform and adherence to internal rules underscore the urgent need for the PDP to address its internal conflicts and rebuild trust among its members.
Paragraph 6: Implications for the PDP’s Future
The series of disputed zonal congresses painted a bleak picture for the PDP’s immediate future. The escalating tensions, disregard for legal processes, and open defiance of the NWC’s directives suggested a party on the brink of further fragmentation. The failure to resolve internal conflicts and prioritize unity threatened to undermine the PDP’s credibility and its ability to effectively function as an opposition force. The internal strife, if left unchecked, could have long-lasting consequences for the party’s ability to compete in future elections and represent the interests of its constituents. The need for immediate and decisive action to address the root causes of the crisis became increasingly apparent if the PDP hoped to regain stability and relevance in the Nigerian political landscape.
