Wike’s Camp Shifts Support to Samuel Ortom for PDP National Chairmanship Amid Growing Party Tensions

The internal power struggle within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn as loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have reportedly switched their support to former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, for the position of PDP national chairman. This development follows Wike’s fierce criticism of the ongoing consensus arrangement championed by some PDP governors, which he described as a potential disaster for the opposition party. The move underscores the deepening divisions within the PDP as it attempts to reorganize ahead of future elections.

During his latest media chat, Wike openly lashed out at the PDP governors’ consensus strategy, accusing them of trying to hijack the party’s structure for personal gain. The outspoken former Rivers State governor expressed dissatisfaction over his exclusion from key party meetings, particularly those involving stakeholders’ decisions on leadership selection. “The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party. Are you telling me that because I’m not a governor, you’ll hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he questioned, signaling growing resentment toward the party leadership.

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Wike’s comments also addressed persistent speculations linking him to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Dismissing such rumors, he maintained that his loyalty to the PDP remains intact despite his working relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “All these talks about APC are rubbish. You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will decide for all of us? Follow who?” he remarked defiantly. His statements suggest a deliberate effort to reaffirm his position within the PDP while simultaneously resisting perceived attempts to marginalize him and his allies.

Zoning Strategy and the Push for North Central Leadership

According to reliable sources quoted by Daily Trust, Wike’s camp has decided to zone the PDP national chairmanship to the North Central region, identifying Samuel Ortom as its preferred candidate. The decision was reportedly reached after a series of consultations within the faction, which concluded that the North Central should retain the chairmanship slot for reasons of equity and balance. The Wike faction believes that since former PDP chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu—also from Benue State—did not complete his tenure, justice requires that the position remain within the same zone.

The group further justified its position by referencing the ruling APC’s handling of similar situations. They pointed out that after the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who also hailed from the North Central, the APC replaced him with another candidate from the same region, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. This move, they argue, serves as a precedent that the PDP should emulate to preserve internal fairness and regional representation. By supporting Ortom, Wike’s camp seeks to strengthen its influence within the PDP and maintain leverage in the party’s power equation ahead of the next convention.

Political analysts note that the alliance between Wike and Ortom is not unexpected. Both men have shared a cordial political relationship, especially during their joint efforts to challenge the party’s 2023 presidential nomination process. Their renewed collaboration could serve as a counterweight to the group of current governors attempting to impose a consensus candidate from outside the North Central zone. The endorsement of Ortom by Wike’s faction could therefore reshape the internal dynamics of the PDP, forcing the party to reconsider its zoning formula and leadership strategy.

However, this development also signals a looming confrontation between the governors’ bloc and Wike’s loyalists. The governors, who currently dominate the party’s structure, are said to be pushing for a candidate perceived as more “neutral” and less confrontational. Wike’s camp, on the other hand, is determined to assert its relevance by backing a strong figure with grassroots appeal and administrative experience. Samuel Ortom, a two-term governor and veteran politician, fits that profile, especially as he continues to command respect within the North Central region and among various PDP stakeholders.

Observers believe that Wike’s renewed political maneuvering could redefine his influence within the opposition party. Despite his current role in the APC-led federal government, Wike remains one of the PDP’s most formidable figures, capable of mobilizing support and destabilizing rival factions. His endorsement of Ortom may also serve as a test of loyalty among party members who share his vision of a restructured PDP, free from the dominance of sitting governors.

As the PDP prepares for its next national convention, the battle for the chairmanship position is expected to intensify. The North Central zone may once again become the focal point of the party’s internal contest, with Samuel Ortom emerging as a key figure in determining the PDP’s future direction. Whether Wike’s faction succeeds in pushing through its preferred candidate will depend largely on how the governors’ camp responds to growing demands for inclusivity and fairness within the party.

One thing, however, is certain: the PDP’s internal crisis is far from over. With Wike’s faction now rallying behind Ortom and openly challenging the governors’ consensus approach, the stage is set for another round of political intrigue that could either rejuvenate the opposition party or deepen its internal divisions ahead of the 2027 elections.