PDP Factions Hold Parallel Elections in Key States

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria is grappling with deepening internal divisions, as rival factions in multiple states conduct parallel leadership elections and dismiss competing claims, amid preparations for the 2027 general elections. These conflicts, often linked to loyalties toward Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, have led to suspensions, rejected congresses, and new organizational efforts in Plateau, Enugu, and Ebonyi states.

In Plateau State, tensions escalated when a faction aligned with Wike held a consensus congress on Tuesday in Jos, electing Peter Tongshep as state chairman alongside 38 other executive members. The event, attended by prominent figures including former Sports Ministers Damishi Sango and Musa Azi, as well as PDP Board of Trustees members Timothy Golu and Johnbul Shekarau, took place under heavy security and was supervised by a seven-member delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Samaila Rukuba, elected as the faction's spokesperson, described the gathering as peaceful and orderly, urging members to reconcile and focus on the party's national convention scheduled for March 29 in Abuja.