The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is on the cusp of pivotal meetings this week that could shape its unity and future direction.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2023, is set to be a decisive gathering, preceded by a caucus meeting and a Board of Trustees session earlier in the week.
Party insiders hint at a packed agenda, with discussions expected to span internal discipline, upcoming state elections, and the potential for opposition party mergers.
While the 2027 elections are not officially slated for discussion, they loom large in the background, with party leaders contemplating the PDP’s strategic approach and the integration of veteran wisdom with the vigor of newer leadership.
A regional rift among the PDP’s 13 governors has surfaced, split between eight from the South and five from the North, potentially influencing the party’s stance on power distribution and political aspirations for the 2027 general elections.
The tenure of three governors will conclude before the 2027 elections, adding to the complexity of the party’s internal dynamics.
The ‘Tinubu factor’—referring to the current president’s policies favoring southern infrastructure and calls for national unity—is reportedly swaying some southern governors, despite their commitment to the PDP.
Conversely, the prospect of the 2027 presidential race is creating a divide between northern and southern leaders within the party.
This week’s meetings are thus anticipated to be a turning point for the PDP as it navigates these challenges and opportunities.
