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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering a consensus arrangement for electing new leaders during its upcoming national convention scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo state in November.
AFRIPOST gathered from The Nation that the move is designed to prevent another crisis similar to the 2022 presidential primaries, which many believe contributed to the party’s loss in the 2023 elections and a wave of high-profile defections.
The 2022 primary battle created deep divisions, ultimately costing the PDP the presidency.
It also triggered the defection of two sitting governors and several senior members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while heavyweights like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Party leaders are also working to reconcile with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and his allies after months of internal tension.
The PDP Governors’ Forum has reportedly reached out to Wike’s camp to address key demands, though it remains unclear how much the party hierarchy is willing to concede.
Among Wike’s demands is the formal recognition of Chief Dan Orbih as the PDP’s South-South Zonal Chairman, along with the removal of Chief Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman for the South-East.
Wike, speaking during a recent media session, warned that ignoring these concerns could escalate internal strife.
“If these issues are left unresolved, we are simply inviting a fresh crisis,” he said. “I will not stand by while impunity is allowed to thrive.
There’s time to fix this before the convention; if not, the party risks another round of trouble.”
Meanwhile, PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, have confirmed that zoning the presidential ticket to the south remains part of the strategy to reposition the party ahead of 2027.
The party’s zoning committee, led by Governor Douye Diri, had earlier allocated the national chairmanship to the north, paving the way for the presidential ticket to rotate southward.
Consultations are now ongoing within the South-East, South-South, and South-West to determine which region will get the slot.
No aspirant has formally declared interest in the presidential race, but figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi are reportedly being courted by influential party leaders.
For the national chairmanship, stakeholders are leaning toward a consensus candidate, with negotiations underway across the six geopolitical zones.
According to party insiders, the goal is to achieve a high level of agreement before the convention on November 15–16.
Some influential voices are pushing for a younger, dynamic leader to drive party reforms. While names like former Governor Ahmed Makarfi and ex-Information Minister Jerry Gana were previously considered, discussions have shifted toward choosing a fresh face from the North-Central, possibly leaving Makarfi to continue as Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
One name generating quiet momentum is Hon. Teejay Yusuf, a three-term member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State.
A PDP NEC member who spoke on condition of anonymity said Yusuf’s age, loyalty, and political versatility are major selling points.
“He is under 60, speaks both Hausa and Yoruba, and has remained with the PDP since 1998 despite pressures and setbacks,” the source said. “Many see him as a bridge between the north and south.”
When contacted, Yusuf neither confirmed nor denied his interest but emphasised party unity over personal ambition.
“All stakeholders are working toward a collective solution,” he told The Nation.
“Positions will be decided by consensus, not individual desires. We are committed to rebuilding the PDP and making concessions where necessary.”
If successful, the consensus plan could mark a significant turning point for Nigeria’s main opposition party, signaling its readiness to recover from past divisions and position itself strongly ahead of the 2027 general elections.