Stakeholders in Lagos and Osun states have rejected the party’s current zoning formula and declared support for businessman Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as their preferred presidential candidate.
The battle for the national chairmanship, featuring key figures like Samuel Ortom, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Olawepo-Hashim, has fueled a power struggle within the party.
Meanwhile, the lack of consensus on zoning has sparked defection fears and intensified lobbying across PDP strongholds, prompting warnings from party elders about the risk of repeating past mistakes that led to internal collapse before the 2015 elections.
In contrast, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has gained momentum with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially recognizing former Senate President David Mark as its national chairman, ending weeks of leadership disputes.
This development is expected to solidify ADC’s position in opposition coalition talks and opens the door for former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is locked in behind-the-scenes negotiations with NNPP’s Dr. Musa Kwankwaso.
Sources say Jonathan is considering running in 2027 but has yet to decide between PDP and ADC due to ongoing internal power plays and legal uncertainties within both parties.
While the ADC is seen as more accommodating of Jonathan’s ambitions, his loyalty to PDP and the challenges posed by the Wike-led faction continue to cloud his path to an official declaration.
