Power Struggle Deepens in PDP as Governors Makinde, Wike Clash Over NEC Date and Secretary Reinstatement

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated dramatically on Wednesday as two powerful blocs within the party—led respectively by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike—clashed over the scheduled date of the party’s crucial 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the controversial reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.

At the center of the dispute is a widening rift between factions pushing for adherence to institutional processes and others backing emergency leadership decisions perceived to favor specific interests. As the date for the highly anticipated NEC meeting draws closer, the battle for control over the PDP’s internal machinery threatens to plunge the party into deeper uncertainty.

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Governor Makinde and his camp—including Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and 11 National Working Committee (NWC) members—insist that the NEC meeting, initially scheduled for June 30, must proceed as planned. This faction is also categorically opposed to the return of Anyanwu as National Secretary, citing unresolved leadership issues.

In stark contrast, Wike’s loyalists—including Governors Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and acting National Chairman Umar Damagum—are advocating for Anyanwu’s reinstatement. They are also pushing to replace the NEC meeting with an expanded party caucus on the same date.

The controversy reached a boiling point during a press conference at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, where Damagum formally announced Anyanwu’s reinstatement and postponed the NEC meeting. He justified the decision as a “difficult but necessary sacrifice,” stressing the importance of unity ahead of key elections.

INEC’s position added fuel to the fire. The electoral body rejected an earlier notice of the NEC meeting, citing non-compliance with internal party rules, particularly the absence of signatures from both the National Chairman and National Secretary. This procedural loophole provided the legal cover for Damagum’s latest directive, intensifying tensions within the party.

Diverging Voices on Anyanwu’s Return

The reinstatement of Anyanwu has polarized the PDP’s leadership. Eleven out of nineteen NWC members rejected the move outright, reiterating their commitment to holding the NEC on June 30 as originally scheduled. The group argues that replacing the NEC with an expanded caucus meeting undermines the party’s democratic processes and weakens institutional accountability.

Conversely, Damagum, flanked by PDP heavyweights including Bala Mohammed and Bukola Saraki, defended the decision, arguing that INEC still recognizes Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary. He said, “It’s a bitter pill we must swallow for the party’s survival.” His sentiment was echoed by National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, who cited a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming Anyanwu’s position.

Deputy national officers of the party also threw their weight behind Damagum, praising the decision as a step toward restoring internal order and legal compliance. In a joint statement, the six deputy NWC members urged all factions to come together for the party’s survival.

“We rise to commend the leadership of the party… and call on all stakeholders to jaw-jaw, not war,” they declared, underscoring the need for dialogue over confrontation.

Wike Challenges Damagum’s Authority

Meanwhile, Wike publicly criticized Damagum for authorizing Anyanwu’s resumption. Speaking at an event in Abuja, the former Rivers State governor questioned the legitimacy of Damagum’s directive, stating, “The national secretary is not your appointee.” Wike’s comments reflect broader concerns about overreach and the erosion of collective decision-making within the party’s top echelon.

Observers note that the power struggle is not only about individual appointments but also about long-term control over the PDP’s strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ongoing crisis may influence the party’s prospects in upcoming votes, including the Federal Capital Territory election, where organizational unity will be critical.

A Party at the Crossroads

Since losing power in 2015, the PDP has struggled with recurring leadership disputes, waves of defections, and unresolved internal elections. The current confrontation underscores a fundamental question: can the PDP function as a cohesive opposition party, or will factionalism permanently undermine its political relevance?

The scheduled June 30 caucus meeting is now seen as a litmus test. While it may serve as a platform to reset the party’s priorities, it could also deepen divisions if consensus remains elusive.

For many party faithful, the path forward lies in compromise, legal compliance, and adherence to democratic norms. As one deputy officer put it, “PDP is our home; we owe it a duty to survive by always doing what is right.”