The battle for control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its November 15–16 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, has deepened, with a fresh rift emerging in the National Working Committee (NWC).
News gathered that the committee has again split between PDP governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who has openly vowed to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
While acting National Chairman Umar Damagum is aligned with most governors, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu is leading the Wike camp within the NWC. Sources said Wike’s loyalists have boycotted recent NWC meetings called by Damagum, as tensions over the convention escalate.
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The crisis worsened on September 30 when PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State executive committee and the appointment of a caretaker committee.
He added that the caretaker committee will run the chapter for three months or until a new executive is elected. Members include Igwat Umoren as chairman, Harrison Ekpo as deputy chairman, and Borono Bassey as secretary, among others.
But in a counter-letter dated October 1, Anyanwu dismissed the move as invalid, insisting no formal NWC meeting approved the dissolution. He described the statement as “null and void and of no effect,” stressing that the Akwa Ibom executive “stands undissolved.”
He further directed the state executive to continue in office in line with the PDP constitution. When contacted, Anyanwu confirmed he authored the letter but offered no further details.
As the convention draws nearer, leaders and stakeholders remain divided. Wike has continued to issue conditions for a hitch-free exercise, but many governors are no longer willing to concede.
Earlier in the week, Ologunagba admitted that some members were working with the APC to sabotage the PDP but vowed they would soon face sanctions. He insisted preparations for the convention were already concluded, declaring that “enough is enough.”
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