In a strategic move to quell internal discord and strengthen its chances in the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reportedly agreed to major conditions set by former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

 

According to highly placed party sources in Abuja, the decision forms part of a wider reconciliation drive aimed at uniting the party’s factions and resolving lingering grievances among influential blocs.

 

Wike, regarded as one of the PDP’s most powerful figures, is said to have insisted on three main demands: zoning the party’s presidential ticket to the South, confirming Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, and maintaining strict adherence to the South-South and South-East zoning arrangement.

 

A senior PDP insider told Vanguard: “The party has sat down and agreed to address everything Wike wants. He wants Anyanwu as the secretary of the party, to allow it to proceed. He wants a declaration from the party leaders that the presidential ticket will be zoned to the South. The party has accepted this. So, on what basis will Wike now fight the party? There’s no basis.”

 

The development comes against the backdrop of concerns over the waning influence of the G5, also known as the Integrity Group — a coalition formed ahead of the 2023 presidential election to oppose the leadership of Senator Iyorchia Ayu and the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

 

Originally comprising Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), the bloc has now shrunk to three members, with Makinde and Ortom breaking ranks.

 

Another party source noted: “The G5 was initially a strong force, but it’s now a G3. Makinde left first, then Ortom. Wike is now left with Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu, but their influence has significantly diminished. Even if they still call themselves the G5 or G3, they are no longer a formidable force politically.”

 

Party strategists reportedly view the concessions to Wike as a calculated step to prevent defections and shore up PDP support in the South-South and South-East — regions where the FCT minister maintains considerable political clout.