Bayelsa PDP Endorses Wike, G5 Resolutions on Zoning and Anyanwu’s Recognition

Yenagoa, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has thrown its weight behind the recent resolutions by the G5 group, led by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, including the zoning of the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South and the recognition of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s legitimate National Secretary.

This strong endorsement came in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Chairman of the Bayelsa PDP, George Turnah, and signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Derri Wright. The Bayelsa chapter praised the June 9 meeting of the G5 in Abuja as a bold and unifying effort to restore integrity and constitutional order within the party.

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The June 9 meeting convened by Wike included key political heavyweights—former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu). The Bayelsa PDP described the meeting as a “testament to the unwavering love Wike has for the PDP and his relentless fight for justice against impunity.”

According to George Turnah, Wike’s enduring efforts to uphold the values of equity and accountability have distinguished him as a true leader within the PDP fold. “Wike’s commitment stands him out and has endeared him strongly to all genuinely committed members of the party nationwide,” Turnah noted.

Zoning to the South: A Strategic and Inclusive Decision

A key resolution of the Abuja meeting was the zoning of the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South. Bayelsa PDP not only hailed the decision but affirmed its alignment with the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and federal character.

Turnah emphasized that the zoning move goes beyond political strategy, representing a genuine response to the aspirations of Nigerians across regional divides. “This strategic move does not just demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and fairness. It also ensures that our party remains attuned to the voices of all Nigerians,” the statement declared.

The decision to zone the ticket to the South is seen as a critical balancing act after the 2023 general elections, where regional representation became a major flashpoint in the PDP’s internal disputes.

Support for Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary

The Bayelsa PDP also reiterated its full support for Senator Samuel Anyanwu, asserting that his recognition as the National Secretary was in line with the party’s constitution and a recent Supreme Court judgment. This comes amid disputes within the PDP ranks, where a faction opposed to Wike is backing Sunday Ude-Okoye as a replacement for Anyanwu.

In the statement, Turnah declared, “We fully endorse the resolutions reached at the meeting, and as a State Chapter, we stand by our decision to affirm Senator Anyanwu’s position. There is no vacancy requiring any replacement whatsoever.”

This endorsement further cements the divide within the party over who wields true control of its national structure, with Bayelsa PDP clearly aligning with the Wike-led bloc.

Wike as a National Leader and Symbol of Unity

Beyond structural matters, the Bayelsa PDP used the opportunity to publicly recognize Wike as the party’s de facto national leader, praising his role in sustaining internal cohesion and advancing democratic principles.

“Bayelsa State PDP reaffirms its loyalty to the resolutions of this meeting and remains steadfast in its support for Nyesom Wike as our national leader,” the statement read.

The party also pledged to forge ahead with “renewed vigour” to ensure the PDP reclaims its role as a symbol of hope and justice for Nigerians. The message from Bayelsa signals a growing bloc of support behind Wike amid increasing tension in the PDP ahead of the NEC meeting scheduled for June 30 and the party’s national convention in August 2025.

National Implications for PDP Unity

The endorsement from Bayelsa, a strategic oil-rich state with strong electoral influence, adds weight to Wike’s position within the party. It also underscores the PDP’s deepening internal rifts, particularly between pro-Wike and pro-Atiku camps, as both factions maneuver for dominance ahead of the next presidential election cycle.

With other states and influential leaders expected to weigh in, the Bayelsa PDP’s bold stance could shape the tone of the June 30 NEC meeting, where critical decisions on leadership, zoning, and party unity are likely to be debated.

For now, the message from Bayelsa is unequivocal: the party must embrace unity, constitutional order, and regional fairness—or risk further internal erosion.