Race Heats Up for PDP Chair as Gana, Makarfi, Baraje Jostle for Top Job

With just over three months to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Convention, scheduled for November 15, the race for the party’s chairmanship has quietly intensified. Political heavyweights such as Professor Jerry Gana, former PDP National Chairman Kawu Baraje, and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi are reportedly eyeing the top seat, setting the stage for what could become one of the most consequential leadership transitions within the opposition party.

While the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is working behind the scenes to retain the position in a substantive capacity, calls for a consensus candidate have gained traction. According to party insiders, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, negotiations are ongoing to avoid a contested convention and to preserve party unity.

The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has emphasised the need for competent and credible candidates, but opinions remain divided on whether a consensus approach is the best path forward. The party recently emerged from months of internal strife that saw several defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition groups. The NEC, at its 101st meeting on July 24, approved the convening of a National Elective Convention to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC) that will steer the party’s affairs for the next four years.

According to the PDP Constitution, the National Convention is the highest decision-making body, empowered to elect officers, amend policies, and oversee all party organs. While the upcoming convention won’t involve the selection of a presidential candidate, it will elect 19 new members into the NWC, including the National Chairman, Deputy Chairmen, Secretary, Treasurer, and others.

Party sources say arrangements for the convention are already underway. The zoning of party offices, expected to be revealed at the next NEC meeting later this month, is a critical piece in the puzzle. Some party leaders are lobbying for a consensus arrangement at both the zonal and national levels, arguing that it’s the only way to avoid another crisis so close to the 2027 general elections. Aspirants are said to be mobilising support behind the scenes, with Damagum positioning himself for continuity.

However, not everyone agrees with the consensus push. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor has warned that consensus could stifle internal democracy, arguing that party members should be allowed to test their popularity with delegates. He stressed the need for transparency and the importance of the delegates’ role in determining the future leadership of the PDP.

On the other hand, former Deputy Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi and former National Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso have thrown their weight behind consensus as a stabilising force. They argue that the party, still reeling from past crises, must prioritise unity over open contests. Odeyemi emphasised the need to evaluate aspirants based on performance and commitment to the party, while Olafeso underscored the importance of internal communication and compromise in the lead-up to the convention.

In the background, however, fresh concerns are emerging. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that unresolved issues in the South-South and South-East could trigger a new round of instability. He pointed to the controversy over the recognition of executives elected at the Calabar zonal congress and the legal status of South-East Vice Chairman Ali Odefa, who was expelled from the party following a court order. Wike has insisted that these issues be resolved before the convention or risk sparking another crisis.

According to the party’s timetable, the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms begins on September 3, with completed forms due by September 22. Aspirants will undergo screening on September 30. PDP National Organising Secretary Umar Bature confirmed that all preparations are on track and that the party remains committed to holding the convention as scheduled.

Meanwhile, the APC has mocked the PDP’s efforts, dismissing the convention as a futile exercise. APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim claimed the PDP is in disarray and likened it to a party on life support. He expressed doubt that the convention would produce leadership capable of uniting the fractured opposition.

Despite the challenges, PDP insiders say efforts are ongoing to manage the delicate balancing act between consensus, zoning, and competitive elections. Whether the party emerges stronger from the convention or spirals into renewed conflict remains to be seen. What is clear is that the stakes are high—not just for the PDP’s leadership, but for its survival ahead of the 2027 elections.