The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering a consensus arrangement to elect new national officers at its forthcoming Ibadan National Convention in November, in a bid to prevent divisions that marred its 2022 presidential primaries.

Party stakeholders said that the decision aims to avoid a repeat of the crisis that contributed to PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election and triggered mass defections, including those of two state governors, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Other prominent members, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark, have since moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Sources revealed that the PDP leadership, including its National Executive Committee (NEC) and governors, are keen to close ranks ahead of the convention.

As part of peace efforts, the party is said to be reaching out to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and his loyalists, signaling openness to reintegrating them into the fold.

Wike, however, has insisted on key demands: recognition of his ally Chief Dan Orbih as South-South Zonal Chairman, derecognition of Chief Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South-East), and a firm decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

“If they want another round of crisis, so be it,” Wike warned in a recent media chat, accusing some PDP leaders of “impunity” in party congresses.

PDP leaders, including acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, have confirmed that the 2027 ticket will go South as part of a broader strategy to “recalibrate” the party. The position of national chairman, meanwhile, is being reserved for the North.

The Governor Douye Diri-led zoning committee had earlier recommended micro-zoning within each region.

Consultations are ongoing across the South-East, South-South, and South-West on who should fly the party’s flag in 2027.

While no aspirant has publicly declared interest, some PDP elders have floated names such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi as possible contenders. Neither has responded to the overtures.

For the position of national chairman, insiders say the party may tilt towards a younger candidate with broad appeal.

Among those being mentioned is Hon. Teejay Yusuf, a three-term House of Representatives member from Kogi, who is seen as a bridge between North and South.

Yusuf, when contacted, stressed that consensus not personal ambition would guide PDP’s decisions in November:

“All stakeholders will collectively decide who occupies what position. It won’t be about individuals but about rebuilding the party,” he said.

The PDP’s convention is scheduled for November 15-16, with zonal caucuses already negotiating micro-zoning of positions to state chapters.

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