In what appears to be a strategic political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reignited the call for power shift, insisting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must zone its presidential ticket to the South. His bold assertion comes amid intensifying internal wrangling threatening to tear the party apart.
Wike made the declaration on Sunday, June 9, 2025, during a high-powered PDP caucus meeting held in Abuja. The closed-door session brought together an influential bloc of party elders and stakeholders, including former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); the embattled National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu; former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda; sitting and former lawmakers, and other concerned party loyalists.
The meeting, described by insiders as “tense but decisive,” was convened to address the festering internal crisis that has plunged the PDP into uncertainty since its loss in the 2023 presidential elections. Discussions centered around stabilizing the party, resolving the leadership tussle, and charting a clear direction as the 2027 polls approach.
Reading a strongly worded communiqué on behalf of the stakeholders, Wike did not mince words:
> “Eminent stakeholders and concerned leaders are alarmed that the party is hurtling towards self-destruction if urgent steps are not taken to halt the desperate, divisive, and selfish tendencies that crippled us in the build-up to the 2023 general elections.”
The communiqué decried what it described as “internal sabotage” orchestrated by self-serving power blocs within the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), National Working Committee (NWC), and Board of Trustees (BoT).
Reaffirming their loyalty to the party’s constitution, the stakeholders threw their weight behind Senator Sam Anyanwu as the substantive and constitutionally recognized National Secretary, denouncing what they termed illegal maneuvers to usurp his authority.
> “In line with the PDP Constitution, only the National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, is empowered to issue notices for meetings of the National Convention, NEC, National Caucus, and NWC. Any such notices not issued by him—and all actions based on such notices—are null, void, and of no effect.”
The group called on the party to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter and urged the acting National Chairman and Senator Anyanwu to jointly notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of a properly convened NEC meeting.
In perhaps the most politically explosive resolution, the stakeholders demanded that the PDP must, in the spirit of justice and national unity, zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
> “Having endured eight unbroken years of a Northern presidency under Muhammadu Buhari, and in adherence to the federal character principle enshrined in our Constitution, equity demands that the next PDP presidential flagbearer must come from the South.”
They further urged party members nationwide to resist any attempts to destabilize the PDP and expressed full support for the efforts of the Bukola Saraki-led National Reconciliation Committee.
> “We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the PDP. We call on all loyal members to stand firm, uphold the rule of law, and resist every anti-party machination designed to tear us apart at this critical juncture.”
As tensions within the PDP reach a boiling point, Sunday’s meeting may mark the beginning of a fierce internal battle to redefine the party’s soul—or possibly its survival. With Wike and his allies drawing a clear battle line, all eyes are now on the PDP national leadership and its next move as 2027 looms ever closer.
PIONEER NEWS 