Major Setback For Anambra PDP As Internal Rift Scares Away Governorship Aspirants

Political analysts view this as a reflection of the PDP’s declining electoral influence. Once a dominant force in Nigerian politics—famously boasting of a 60-year reign—the party has struggled with internal crises since losing power to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.

The PDP’s internal turmoil has been marked by leadership disputes, legal battles over key positions, and power struggles at state and zonal levels. Tensions escalated ahead of the 2023 general elections when the G-5 faction, led by Nyesom Wike, demanded the removal of then-National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu. His eventual ouster further deepened divisions, with Ambassador Umar Damagum stepping in as acting chairman—an appointment that remains a point of contention.

The party remains split on whether Damagum should continue in an acting capacity until the December 2025 convention or be replaced by a substantive chairman from the North-Central region in line with PDP’s constitution. While Wike’s camp supports Damagum’s leadership, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, insists on a new chairman from North-Central.

Adding to the crisis, a Court of Appeal ruling in Enugu declared Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary, replacing Senator Samuel Anyanwu—a decision contradicted by a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which upheld Anyanwu’s position, fueling ongoing legal battles.

At the heart of these conflicts is the fight for control ahead of the 2027 general elections. The upcoming national convention—where a new National Working Committee (NWC) will be elected—is expected to shape the party’s zoning strategy and nomination process for the next presidential race.