The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing for a significant restructuring of its leadership, a move that could mark the end of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s long-standing dominance within the party.
The shift is part of a proposal to rotate top positions within the National Working Committee (NWC) among states, even as geopolitical zones retain their overall allocations.
The proposed changes stem from the recommendations of a high-powered committee led by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
According to the committee’s report, no state will retain any of the key positions it currently holds.
Party insiders say the plan is intended to promote fairness, decentralize influence, and energize the party’s base as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.
If approved, the rotation policy would disqualify several top office holders, including Acting National Chairman Illya Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, from retaining their seats at the PDP’s August national convention.
The recommendations are set to be presented at the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30.
The anticipated shake-up is already creating political ripples within the party.
Damagum, sources say, is considering defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the 2027 Yobe State governorship, a move reportedly encouraged by his close ally, Governor Mai Mala Buni.
However, a party source cautioned, “Even if he defects, he will be blocked by Wike, who remains a powerful voice in the APC.”
Beyond leadership restructuring, the PDP’s internal zoning conversation is also shaping the debate around its 2027 presidential ticket.
A senior party official observed: “To be honest, the Atiku era is over. The mood of the party and the country is clearly in favour of the South, especially the South-East.”
