The PDP NWC has rejected the Cross River congress as a nullity and distanced itself from Jerry Gana’s claims about Goodluck Jonathan’s 2027 candidacy, deepening internal party divisions.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with deepening internal divisions as its National Working Committee (NWC), led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, has rejected the outcome of the Cross River State congress held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, declaring it a “nullity.”

NWC Rejects Cross River Congress

National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated that the congress was not sanctioned by the NWC and therefore lacked legitimacy. He stressed that the NWC had postponed congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi states, and that decision remains binding.

According to Ologunagba, the event in Calabar was nothing more than “a political carnival” and “a hallucination”, as it lacked the required NWC-approved electoral panel, appeal panel, and valid process.

Despite this, a state congress reportedly went ahead in Calabar, resulting in the re-election of Venatius Ikem as Chairman, along with 38 other State Executive Committee (SEC) members. The event was observed by INEC, the police, NSCDC, DSS, and other statutory bodies, further complicating the legitimacy battle.

The confusion was worsened by two conflicting letters sent to INEC: one from Damagum announcing the postponement of congresses, and another from National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, insisting they would proceed as scheduled. The NWC has maintained that its collective decision supersedes any individual correspondence, dismissing Anyanwu’s reliance on constitutional provisions requiring joint signatures.

PDP Disowns Gana’s Jonathan 2027 Comments

Adding to the turmoil, the PDP has distanced itself from remarks made by former Minister of Information Prof Jerry Gana, who suggested that former President Goodluck Jonathan could be the party’s candidate in the 2027 presidential election.

Ologunagba clarified that Gana’s comments were personal opinions and not reflective of the party’s official stance. He emphasized that while Jonathan remains a respected member of the PDP, he has not declared any intention to run in 2027.

He further stressed that the PDP has a broad pool of qualified leaders capable of leading the nation, particularly at the gubernatorial level.

Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement Reacts

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) also weighed in, rejecting the notion of Jonathan being handed the PDP’s ticket. National Coordinator Abdulrazaq Hamzat insisted that the 2027 flagbearer will emerge through an open and transparent process in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

Hamzat argued that Nigerians are yearning for progress, not a return to the past, describing Jonathan as representing an “old order.” He added that if Jonathan wishes to return to Aso Rock, he must be prepared to compete in an open primary.

Implications for PDP Ahead of Convention

As the PDP prepares for its national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, the crises in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi states pose significant risks to the party’s stability and unity.

Analysts warn that unless the PDP resolves these internal conflicts, it may struggle to present a united front capable of effectively challenging the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.