Stakeholders within the Peoples Democratic Party are pushing for a consensus approach in selecting a new party chairman with former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, former party chairman, Kawu Baraje and ex-Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi reportedly among those eyeing the position ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for November 15.
Reliable party sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, said that the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, was also working to secure the role in a substantive capacity.
At the same time, members of the party’s National Executive Committee called for credible and competent individuals with proven track records to enter the race, though opinions remain divided on the idea of a consensus candidate.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that the PDP’s handling of leadership positions in the South-South and South-East regions could jeopardise the success of the upcoming convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Reacting to the developments, Bala Ibrahim, Director of Publicity for the ruling All Progressives Congress, said the internal conflicts and personalities in the PDP could signal the party’s collapse at the November convention.
The PDP recently emerged from a prolonged internal crisis that had spanned several months. During the turmoil, a number of key party members defected to the APC and the newly established African Democratic Congress coalition.
In a bid to restructure and reposition, the PDP decided at its 101st NEC meeting on July 24 to convene a National Elective Convention to elect 19 new members into its National Working Committee.
The Constitution empowers the National Convention to amend the party’s Constitution and prohibits it from delegating that power.
While the forthcoming convention can perform key functions listed (except electing a Presidential candidate), the main focus of the November convention is to elect a new National Working Committee to lead the party for the next four years.
Additionally, Part VIII, Section 29 (1A to M), under the heading ‘Establishment and Composition’ provides that, “There shall be a National Working Committee of (1) the party, which shall consist of the National Chairman, two Deputy National Chairmen, the National Secretary, the Deputy National Secretary, the National Treasurer, the National Financial Secretary, the National Organising Secretary, the National Publicity Secretary, the National Auditor, the National Legal Adviser, the National Woman Leader, the National Youth Leader; and the National Vice Chairmen.”
A reliable source said that all stakeholders have agreed to hold the convention in November and are pushing for a consensus arrangement.
He stated, “What I can tell you is that we have put machinery in place to ensure the convention holds as planned. After all, the tenure of the current NWC members will expire by December, so there must be an elective convention.
“The zoning of offices will be made known at the next NEC meeting later this month. Some party leaders are advocating for a consensus arrangement for all NWC positions.
“The party is just coming out of a prolonged crisis and cannot afford to enter another, especially with the 2027 elections around the corner. Some of our leaders—senators, governors, former governors, and others have expressed concerns that regardless of the zoning formula, consensus should be adopted at both zonal and national levels to preserve the unity of the party.
“I am sure a decision will be taken on all these soon. Although aspirants are already making moves, Damagum is also reportedly plotting to retain the position as substantive National Chairman. Ultimately, the party leaders and delegates will decide.”
However, another source stated that only a consensus arrangement can prevent the party from slipping into another post-convention crisis.
He stated, “We’re just emerging from a crisis, so it’s crucial to ensure the upcoming convention is peaceful. A consensus arrangement is the best way to achieve that.
“The party has, on several occasions in the past, adopted consensus approaches. Many of us are currently advocating for the same, especially as several individuals are eyeing key positions.
“As things stand — unless zoning disqualifies them or they change their minds Gana, Baraje and Makarfi are interested in leading the party, while Damagum is working to retain his position as substantive National Chairman.
“Therefore, both zoning and consensus will be essential in managing the process and its outcome effectively.”
Attempts to get responses from Damagum, Makarfi, Baraje and Gana were unsuccessful.
Damagum’s phone was switched off, Baraje’s number was not reachable, Gana’s call was answered by his aide, who explained that he was in a meeting while Makarfi did not respond to messages sent.
Meanwhile, NEC members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, former Deputy Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi, and former National Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso, encouraged capable and eligible party leaders to vie for positions of interest.
Osadolor stated that every party member had the right to contest, adding that adopting a consensus approach could be detrimental to the party.
On his part, Odeyemi urged caution and described consensus as the most effective arrangement to safeguard the party.
Also, Olafeso stated that qualified party members were free to contest any position, noting that their competence would be scrutinised by party leaders and delegates.
Olafeso added that adopting a consensus approach would promote stability within the party, adding that they have learned from their previous mistakes.
The PUNCH