In a decisive bid to quell internal rifts and bolster its chances ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has agreed to key conditions set by former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Top PDP insiders told Vanguard in Abuja on Monday night that the move is part of a broader strategy to unify the party and address longstanding grievances among influential members.
Wike, regarded as one of the most powerful figures within the PDP, had demanded the zoning of the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South, the appointment of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, and strict adherence to the South-South and South-East zoning convention.
According to party sources, the leadership has now fully conceded to these demands.
“The party has sat down and agreed to address everything Wike wants. He wants Anyanwu as secretary, and he wants a declaration that the presidential ticket will be zoned to the South. The party has accepted this. So, on what basis will Wike now fight the party?” a senior PDP source said.
The decision comes amid concerns over worsening factional divisions within the PDP following the decline of the G5 Governors’ bloc — a group of party heavyweights that opposed the leadership of former National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu and the 2023 presidential bid of Atiku Abubakar.
Once comprising five sitting governors — Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) — the group has now dwindled to three members, with Wike’s influence under increasing scrutiny.
“The G5 was initially a strong force, but it’s now a G3. Makinde left first, then Ortom. Even if they still call themselves G5 or G3, they’re no longer politically formidable,” another party insider explained.
Party strategists believe pacifying Wike will help prevent further defections and secure support in the South-South and South-East — regions where he still wields considerable political sway. This is viewed as critical ahead of the PDP’s November convention, where zoning and leadership issues will be finalised.
Meanwhile, PDP officials are closely monitoring the potential political comeback of former President Goodluck Jonathan. His silence over a 2027 run has kept the party guessing, but insiders believe his candidacy — possibly alongside former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as running mate — could dramatically alter Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Jonathan could destabilise the PDP if he enters the race. But if he teams up with Kwankwaso, it could be game over for many opponents. He’s one of the few who could even convince Peter Obi not to run,” a source noted.
A senior PDP figure also pointed to what he called the structural advantage enjoyed by the northern political bloc, linked to Nigeria’s tradition of holding elections on Saturdays.
“This allows influential northern leaders to hold decisive Friday meetings to finalise strategies — a practice that’s helped them maintain political dominance for years,” he said.
With the 2027 race beginning to take shape, the PDP’s latest concessions to Wike may be the opening move in a much larger battle for unity, survival, and eventual victory.
