AS the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) moves to restructure its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, internal jostling for the position of National Chairman is intensifying, with prominent figures such as Prof. Jerry Gana, Kawu Baraje, and Senator Ahmed Makarfi reportedly positioning themselves for the coveted role.
News Point Nigeria reports that with the party’s National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 in Ibadan, Oyo State, calls for a consensus candidate are growing louder but not without resistance.
Sources within the party also confirmed that the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is working to retain the post in a substantive capacity. While Damagum has received support from some quarters, critics argue that fresh leadership is necessary to reposition the party ahead of 2027.
Party stakeholders and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) are reportedly split on whether a consensus candidate should be adopted or if the race should be left open to internal democracy and delegate voting.
A top PDP official who spoke to this newspaper under anonymity said: “There is pressure to adopt a consensus candidate, but also a strong argument for allowing the democratic process to play out. A consensus approach may prevent another post-convention crisis, but it must be handled with fairness.”
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has raised concerns that mismanagement of leadership positions especially in the South-South and South-East could disrupt the Ibadan convention.
Veteran PDP leaders, Prof Jerry Gana, Kawu Baraje and Ahmed Makarfi are reportedly eyeing the chairmanship. All three bring national name recognition and decades of political experience.
However, their reemergence has sparked debate over whether the party should recirculate old leadership or usher in a new generation of visionaries.
A source close to the matter said: “Unless zoning rules disqualify any of them, these names are in serious consideration. Each comes with strengths, but consensus may be necessary to avoid factional implosions.”
Attempts by this News Point Nigeria to reach the three men yielded no direct responses. Gana’s aide said the former minister was in a meeting, while Damagum’s phone was switched off. Makarfi did not respond to messages, and Baraje was unreachable.
According to Part X, Section 33 of the party’s amended 2027 Constitution, the National Convention is the PDP’s supreme decision-making body, with powers to elect or remove national officers, review party policies, and amend the constitution except for electing a presidential candidate.
As per Section 29, the National Working Committee (NWC) will consist of 19 key officers, including: National Chairman, Deputy Chairmen (North & South), National Secretary and Deputy, Treasurer, Organising Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Legal Adviser, Auditor, Woman Leader, Youth Leader and Zonal Vice Chairmen
The current NWC’s tenure is set to expire in December 2025, making the November convention essential to keeping the party’s structures intact.
While some NEC members support the consensus model to avoid crisis, others strongly oppose it, insisting that internal democracy must prevail.
Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, was blunt in his opposition to consensus: “Consensus is a dangerous democratic right. Let credible people sell their manifesto to delegates. Let democracy take its course.”
He added: “Nobody is above being challenged. Incumbency doesn’t guarantee re-election. Democracy must flow freely; otherwise, it becomes a dictatorship in disguise.”
Former Deputy Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi and Ex-Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso echoed similar sentiments, urging the party to avoid manipulation, encourage new aspirants, and allow delegates to choose freely.
Party insiders admit that the 2027 general elections are a key factor behind the intensified lobbying for party leadership. The new chairman is expected to play a pivotal role in unifying the party, rebuilding its electoral machinery, and possibly overseeing the selection of a presidential candidate.