Pressure Mounts for Yusuf and Ortom as PDP Chairmanship Race Intensifies
As the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convenes in Abuja, significant pressure is mounting within the party for the emergence of a consensus candidate for the office of National Chairman. Fresh backing is emerging for former lawmaker Teejay Yusuf, while former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, is also attracting support from many influential quarters.
Factional Disputes and Convention Plans
Meanwhile, the PDP faction led by Tanimu Turaki has strongly criticized the National Caretaker Committee (NCC), which is backed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The NCC accused the Turaki group of plotting to halt the party's national convention through a court injunction in Ibadan. Additionally, the factions are deeply divided over purported support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election next year.
The NEC meeting, scheduled to be held at the official residence of Wike, is expected to make critical decisions that could shape the outcome of the party's National Convention slated for March 29 and 30 in Abuja. Part of the agenda before the party's highest decision-making organ is to rally members around suitable candidates for the chairmanship and other national offices, amid ongoing consultations and alignments by key stakeholders.
Zoning and Lobbying Efforts
Findings indicate that the zonal sub-committee of the National Convention Planning Committee met behind closed doors on Sunday night to deliberate on the zoning of party offices. Although no official statement was issued after the meeting, it was gathered that the position of National Chairman has been retained in the North Central geo-political zone.
This development has triggered intense lobbying among party leaders, with some prominent figures being tipped for the top position. Among those speculated to be enjoying backing from influential quarters is Ortom, who is believed to be aligned with Wike. Other influential blocs within the party are reportedly rallying support for Yusuf, a three-term member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State, who is increasingly being projected as a unifying figure capable of repositioning the party.
Endorsements and Candidate Profiles
Meanwhile, a group within the party, North Central Initiatives (NCI), formally endorsed Yusuf for the party's exalted position, describing him as the most suitable candidate to lead the PDP at this critical juncture. In a statement signed by its President, Alhassan Garba; Secretary, Paul Itopa; and Publicity Secretary, Ambali Abdulganiyu, the group said Yusuf possessed the requisite experience, integrity, and capacity to steer the party towards stability and electoral success.
According to the group, as the PDP seeks to reposition itself after years of internal crises, Yusuf stands out as "a natural bridge-builder and an excellent networker" with widespread acceptance among party members. The statement added that Yusuf's consistency and loyalty to the PDP, despite alleged overtures from other political parties, underscore his commitment to the party's ideals and long-term growth.
Allegations and Denials
The Wike-backed PDP had accused the Turaki group of plotting to obtain a court injunction from Ibadan, Oyo State, to stop the Abuja national convention. The Publicity Secretary of the NCC, Jungudo Mohammed, made the allegation at a briefing in Abuja, barely a day after the Wike group inaugurated its convention planning committee ahead of the March 29 gathering. The Wike group recently secured a court judgment that voided last year's November Ibadan National Convention, which produced the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).
Responding to the claim by the Wike group, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki camp, Ini Ememobong, dismissed the allegation. He said the Wike camp is "crying wolf" when there is none. "We de-escalated, even postponed our NEC and caucus meetings, just to offer room for reconciliation, but what they were doing was to hold meetings where they sat on their high horse issuing conditions. Regardless, we are still hopeful that negotiations will go well and end these issues. They should invest their energy in the negotiations instead of running to the press like headless chickens to spew figments of their imagination," he added.
Re-election Support Denials
Meanwhile, the Wike-backed PDP has denied working for Tinubu's re-election in 2027, insisting it remains committed to its role as an opposition party despite deep internal divisions. During an interview on Channels Television yesterday, Mohammed said the party was focused on rebuilding and stabilizing its structure ahead of its national convention, while dismissing allegations of alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
"We will not support the President," Mohammed said. "I am appealing to Nigerians to give us a little time. All these rumours that we are supporting APC or that we are an appendage of the APC will come to pass."
