In a show of unity, governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. At the meeting, they insisted that the party’s national convention—set for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State—must happen as planned.
This firm position from the governors is in response to remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike. Speaking in recent days, Wike said he was unaware of the planned convention and rejected decisions made at the PDP’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. He insisted that the South-South zonal congress, which his camp held in Calabar—producing Dan Orbih—be recognised, even though the National Working Committee (NWC) had dismissed that outcome.
At Saturday’s meeting, the governors made clear their backing for the leadership of Ambassador Umar Damagum, who is serving as acting party chairman. They reaffirmed that they fully support the decisions of the PDP’s 101st NEC meeting held in July 2025, which formally fixed the November convention dates in Ibadan.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, read a communique at the end of the meeting. He said the governors “reaffirm full commitment to the resolutions of the 101st NEC meeting of July 2025 regarding the November 15 National Convention.” He urged party members to resist efforts by “anti-party forces” to block the convention, and to see PDP as “the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria along the path of good governance and national development.”
They praised party supporters for standing strong during a recent by-election, despite what they described as intimidation and anti-democratic conduct by the ruling APC-led federal government. The governors also commended party members for withstanding “orchestrated defections,” noting that these disruptions would not weaken PDP’s appeal at the grassroots, nor slow Nigerians’ desire for affordable living and improved security under past PDP administrations.
The communiqué urged both party faithful and Nigerians at large to stay loyal to the ideals of the PDP, despite a rising atmosphere of intimidation from the current government. “Such pressure,” the communique stated, “should only be taken as a sign of desperation by a party without vision or agenda—one that is doomed to be rejected by the masses.”
Reflecting on the August 9 by-election, the governors condemned the “over-militarisation” of the polls, which they said featured widespread irregularities, vote-buying and violence. They called on Nigerians to be more vigilant in protecting their votes.
On national security, the governors applauded Zamfara State’s efforts to curb violence. Yet they condemned the ongoing atrocities in states like Katsina, Plateau, Niger and Benue, urging the federal government to take stronger action to safeguard citizens’ lives and property.
Why This Matters for Nigerians
The November convention is a crucial event for the PDP. It is when the party plans to elect new national leaders and set its agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections. Holding the convention as scheduled gives PDP the chance to present a united front and renew public confidence in its capacity to offer a credible alternative to the ruling party.
However, internal disagreements pose serious risks. Wike’s refusal to accept NEC decisions and insistence on recognising his own zonal congress could lead to a split in the party, undermining its unity at a critical moment.
Wike argues that he was not properly invited to the NEC meeting where decisions about the convention were made. He has also rejected the zoning committee led by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa. Wike’s insistence on acknowledging Dan Orbih’s position as the National Vice Chairman (South-South) and challenging the status of Ali Odefa in the South-East deepen the sensation that the party is dangerously divided.
On the other hand, the governors see the convention as a moment for reconciliation. By holding the convention, they aim to resolve leadership disputes, restore discipline, and align around a vision for 2027. Their backing of Damagum’s leadership and support for NEC decisions signal a push for stability, at least among their camp.
Background: PDP’s Recent Challenges
Since losing power at the federal level in 2015, the PDP has been struggling to rebuild its image and regain influence. The party has experienced leadership crises, defections, and internal factions. In 2023 alone, the party’s struggle for internal control was highlighted by court cases and leadership tussles in states like Zamfara.
Within the national leadership, there are sharp divisions. Some members, especially those aligned with Wike, feel sidelined and see decisions made by NEC and NWC as favouring other factions. For example, Wike’s camp strongly supports Dan Orbih, while the NWC has backed a caretaker committee headed by Emmanuel Ogidi in the South-South.
Meanwhile, acting chairman Damagum and allies—including governors like Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, and Ademola Adeleke of Osun—are working to align the party ahead of the convention. They hope to present a united leadership ready for the challenges of the 2027 elections.
