Drama Unfolds In PDP: Wike Vs. Makinde Power Struggle Threatens Party Unity

Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have escalated, as insider sources reveal that opposing factions are preparing to hold parallel National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Caucus meetings today (Monday) in Abuja.

According to sources who spoke with The Punch under the condition of anonymity, both camps have intensified mobilisation efforts and are gearing up for the separate gatherings.

One party insider confirmed that the Board of Trustees (BoT) is also slated to meet today in light of the ongoing internal crisis.

On Sunday afternoon at the party’s national secretariat in Wadata, key figures including acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, embattled National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Vice Chairman (North West) Senator Bello Gwarzo, and two other NWC members convened and reinforced their stance that an expanded National Caucus meeting should replace the NEC meeting.

However, in a swift counter move on Sunday evening at the same venue, a majority of the NWC members, including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, South East Caretaker Chair Emmanuel Ogidi, National Woman Leader Amina Darasimi, acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, National Auditor Okechukwu Obiechin, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, National Financial Secretary Woyengikuro Daniel, and National Vice Chairman (South West) Ajisafe Toyese, reaffirmed that the NEC meeting would proceed today as originally planned, with Koshoedo recognized as the acting National Secretary.

The camp of Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), backed by Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), along with 11 NWC members and other senior party leaders, are strongly pushing for the NEC meeting to hold today and are firmly opposing Senator Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary.

Conversely, the camp aligned with former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, which includes Governors Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), alongside Damagum, Bature, and Ajibade, are demanding Anyanwu’s reinstatement and have called for the NEC meeting to be postponed.

Nevertheless, 11 of the 18 NWC members have stood their ground, rejecting Anyanwu’s return and affirming that the NEC meeting must proceed as scheduled on June 30, 2025.