PDP Ponders over Unanimous Decision Prior to Ibadan Convention
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Considers Consensus Arrangement for National Convention
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria is currently in discussions about its leadership structure, with a focus on unity and rebuilding the party. The party is considering a consensus arrangement for electing officials at its national convention in Ibadan this November.
The move is part of a strategy to recalibrate the PDP and avoid a repeat of the rancour that trailed the 2022 presidential primaries. The 2022 primaries were marked by deep divisions and triggered disunity within the party, leading to the poor outing of the PDP in the 2023 general elections and the wave of defections that followed.
Among the positions being considered, the position of national chairman was conceded to the north in the report of the Governor Douye Diri-led National Zoning Committee. However, a younger party loyalist from the North Central is being considered for the chairmanship candidate.
Honourable Teejay Yusuf, a three-time member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State, is being considered as one of the likely candidates for the position of national chairman. Teejay Yusuf is noted for his fluency in Hausa and Yoruba, his long-standing loyalty to the PDP, and his stance on party lines despite facing personal challenges.
In the South, the PDP is considering micro-zoning the presidential ticket to one of the three geopolitical zones: Southeast, Southsouth, and Southwest. The three zones are currently consulting on how to go about the micro-zoning.
The PDP leadership is seeking to bring Nyesom Wike and his loyalists back into the party following months of tension. Wike has warned that failure to address the issues he raised could deepen the crisis within the party. His demands include the formal recognition of Chief Dan Orbih as the party's South-South Zonal Chairman and the derecognition of Chief Ali Odefa from the South-East as National Vice Chairman.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi, the former Labour Party flagbearer in 2023, have been mentioned as potential candidates. However, no presidential aspirant has publicly declared their interest yet.
Ahmed Makarfi, who was once the acting PDP national chairman, and Prof Jerry Gana are being considered for the position, but new discussions suggest Makarfi may continue as Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
All stakeholders are working collectively to decide on who occupies what position in November, with a focus on rebuilding the party and making concessions where necessary. The party hopes that these efforts will lead to a more united and successful PDP in the future.
Read also:
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Enemy Forces Have Taken Ukrainian Prisoner
- BJP Persuaded Delhi Voters That Supporting AAP Was Pointless, According to Pavan K. Varma
- Potential Democratic Contenders for Presidency in 2028 Yet to Exclude Themselves from Race
