The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently navigating a period of significant internal turbulence and strategic deliberation as it looks towards the 2027 general elections. Recent meetings and statements from prominent party figures have highlighted deep divisions, particularly concerning party leadership and the approach to the next presidential contest, while also raising alarms about the party's overall health and future.

A critical development emerged from a meeting of 'PDP Eminent Stakeholders and Concerned Leaders' hosted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Monday, June 9. The group, which included G5 members like former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue), as well as Senator Philip Aduda, resolved that the party must zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. In a communique read by Wike, they argued this was necessary “in the spirit of fairness, inclusion, federal Character principles and respect for our party Constitution,” especially following the “unbroken years of Northern President under President Muhammadu Buhari.” Wike, despite being a minister in the APC-led administration and having previously stated he would support President Tinubu's reelection, indicated he would support the PDP in 2027 if this zoning condition was met.

The Wike-led stakeholders also strongly reaffirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the duly elected and substantive National Secretary of the PDP, citing a Supreme Court judgment. They insisted that, constitutionally, only the National Secretary can issue notices for key party meetings such as the National Convention, National Executive Committee (NEC), National Caucus, and National Working Committee. Consequently, they demanded that the acting National Chairman and Senator Anyanwu jointly issue a notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for an upcoming NEC meeting. This stance addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding Anyanwu, who had faced calls to resign after an unsuccessful bid for the Imo State governorship, and a subsequent move by the South-East zonal chapter to replace him.

Amidst these specific demands, broader concerns about the PDP's stability have been voiced. Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, during a visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Monday night, June 9, issued a stark warning that the PDP risks becoming a “political carcass” if drastic steps are not taken to address its internal crises. While Fayose affirmed his unwavering loyalty to the PDP, stating he would rather quit politics than defect to the APC or any other party, he acknowledged that the PDP is in “serious trouble.” He attributed some of the party’s woes to issues stemming from the 2022 presidential primaries.

Echoing these concerns, Dele Momodu, a PDP chieftain and former presidential aspirant, stated on Tuesday, June 10, that his “soul has already left the PDP,” with only his body remaining. Momodu believes that while a united PDP has the potential to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, the current disunity makes such a prospect unlikely. He further alleged that the APC is actively working to factionalize and destabilize the PDP, perceiving it as a significant threat. Momodu suggested that defeating President Tinubu in 2027 would likely require a formidable coalition and that any challenger should ideally come from a region opposite to the incumbent's.

The party has also experienced some defections, notably in Lagos State, where several leaders, including the State Publicity Secretary Hakeem Amode and former deputy governorship candidate Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, recently moved to the APC. However, the Lagos PDP Vice Chairman, Mr Hakeem Olalemi, dismissed the impact of these defections, claiming the individuals involved had been inactive in the party for about two years and were perceived as aligned with other interests.

Despite the prevailing challenges, efforts towards reconciliation are reportedly underway. Dr. Bukola Saraki, Chairman of the PDP reconciliation committee, has expressed optimism about resolving the party’s leadership crisis and restoring its vibrancy. The Wike-led stakeholders also reiterated their support for Saraki's committee. These reconciliation efforts are seen as crucial ahead of a planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting anticipated by the end of June.

The convergence of leadership disputes, strategic disagreements over the 2027 elections, warnings from senior members, and alleged external pressures places the PDP at a critical juncture. The party's ability to achieve internal cohesion, make decisive strategic choices, and heed the calls for reform will determine its trajectory and relevance in Nigeria's political landscape.