PDP Governors Accuse Wike’s Bloc of Power Hijack, Threaten Revolt Over Ortom’s Chairmanship Bid

PDP Governors have begun intense consultations, signaling their preference for former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, as the next National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to insider reports, the governors believe Shekarau’s cross-regional appeal and political maturity could stabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections. They argue that his ability to bridge northern and southern interests places him as the most credible consensus candidate.

PDP Governors stress that Shekarau embodies the neutrality needed to heal lingering cracks within the opposition party. With his defection history and reputation as a reformist, they maintain that his leadership could rekindle trust among estranged members who left after the last general elections. The move is being interpreted as an attempt to wrest control of the PDP structure from rival blocs that have slowed the party’s momentum.

Wike’s Camp Rallies Behind Ortom for Chairman Role

PDP Governors have accused the camp of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of plotting to hijack the party’s hierarchy by backing former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, as National Chairman. Sources reveal that Wike’s allies insist Ortom deserves the position, citing his loyalty to the party during turbulent times, despite losing his senatorial bid.

PDP Governors argue that the Ortom candidacy is being weaponized to consolidate Wike’s grip on the PDP and sideline governors who hold elected mandates. They view Ortom’s endorsement as part of a larger strategy to weaken the Governors’ Forum, which has historically acted as the party’s power base. This growing friction highlights the widening ideological and strategic gap between the governors and Wike’s loyalists.

The Secretary Position Sparks Further Division

PDP Governors have turned their attention to the party’s National Secretary position, warning that any imposition could fracture the fragile unity they are trying to maintain. They insist that the secretaryship must reflect internal balance, with the candidate enjoying the confidence of both northern and southern stakeholders.

PDP Governors caution that if Wike’s bloc attempts to control both the chairman and secretary roles, it would amount to a “hostile takeover” of the party. They claim that such concentration of power would trigger mass defections, particularly in states where the PDP remains strong in opposition politics. This underlines how strategic the secretaryship has become in the broader battle for PDP’s survival.

Zoning Dilemma Deepens Intraparty Tensions

PDP Governors have emphasized that zoning remains the unresolved elephant in the room. With the chairmanship historically zoned to the North, they argue that foisting Ortom, a Middle Belt candidate, could ignite backlash from the North-East and North-West where members already feel marginalized.

PDP Governors further note that ignoring zoning traditions would expose the party to accusations of inconsistency, especially after using zoning as a justification in previous internal disputes. They believe that sticking to the unwritten rotational agreement could shield the party from avoidable litigations and factional crises that may derail its 2027 ambitions.

Battle for PDP Soul Ahead of 2027 Elections

PDP Governors have declared that the leadership tussle is not merely about personalities but about reclaiming the party’s ideological direction. They say that allowing Wike’s camp to dominate would strip the governors of their influence in shaping the PDP’s electoral strategies and policies.

PDP Governors insist that their collective voice cannot be undermined, as they control the resources, structures, and voter base that remain the backbone of the opposition. By framing the leadership battle as a fight for the “soul of the PDP,” they are positioning themselves as guardians of the party’s democratic ethos against perceived authoritarian tendencies.

Possible Outcomes and Looming Showdown

PDP Governors have hinted that if their Shekarau proposal is rejected, they may openly defy party consensus and install a chairman through internal elections. This signals a looming showdown that could either rejuvenate the PDP or plunge it into another cycle of division.

PDP Governors also warn that if Ortom emerges as chairman, the fallout could be severe, with governors exploring alliances outside the PDP. This raises the stakes for the opposition, as the outcome of the leadership crisis may determine whether the PDP remains a viable alternative to the ruling party in 2027 or collapses under factional weight.