In a move that has reshaped the political structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s South-South region, the party’s Zonal Working Committee has dissolved the existing leadership in Bayelsa and Edo states, replacing them with caretaker committees perceived to be loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Rising from a strategic meeting at the PDP South-South zonal secretariat in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman (South-South), announced the dissolution of the Bayelsa State Working Committee headed by Solomon Agwanana and the Edo State Caretaker Committee chaired by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi.
The drastic changes were attributed to alleged gross misconduct, internal crisis mismanagement, and poor electoral performance, particularly in Edo’s last governorship election.
“After extensive consultation and constitutional review, the zonal leadership found it necessary to reposition the party in both states to avoid further deterioration,” a statement from PDP South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Etim Isong read.
The statement referenced several constitutional provisions of the PDP, including Articles 10 and 58, to justify the sweeping changes, while stressing the need to strengthen the party ahead of future electoral contests.
Political analysts view the restructuring as a strategic power move by Wike’s camp to entrench influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Notably, the new Bayelsa caretaker chairman, George Turnah, is a staunch Wike loyalist and organizer of an upcoming pro-Tinubu and Wike rally in the state.
In Edo, Nosa Ogieva replaced Aziegbemi as chairman, with other notable appointments including Chief Sunny Okomayin as deputy chairman and Hillary Otsu as secretary. These appointments are seen as further consolidation of the Orbih-Wike alliance’s grip on the zone.
Similarly, in Bayelsa, Turnah will be supported by Tony Gabriel (deputy chairman), Ebilade Ekerefe (secretary), and Didi Werilaghebofa (vice chairman, Central), among others.
The action by the South-South committee was reportedly carried out in defiance of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), which had earlier signaled disapproval of any unilateral leadership changes without broader party consensus. However, the Orbih-led zonal body pushed forward, citing constitutional authority and urgent need for reform.
This apparent rebellion deepens the ongoing tension between Wike and the PDP’s national leadership, especially following Wike’s controversial alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led government after the 2023 elections.
The latest development underscores a deepening internal rift that threatens the PDP’s cohesion at both state and national levels. With several of Wike’s allies now in key decision-making positions in Bayelsa and Edo, the party could face challenges in managing loyalty and preparing for state-level elections.
“This is more than just a restructuring; it’s a clear sign of where the real power lies in the PDP South-South zone,” said political analyst Dr. Roland Eteme. “Wike’s influence is undeniable, and it’s reshaping the party’s internal democracy.”
As the new caretaker committees assume office for an initial three-month term, their mandate includes reorganizing the party structures, resolving internal grievances, and ensuring readiness for upcoming elections and conventions.
Observers expect resistance from displaced executives and possible legal challenges, but for now, Wike’s allies appear firmly in charge.
The PDP’s internal power play in the South-South may just be a preview of wider political realignments within the party as Nigeria’s 2027 political race gradually begins to take shape.