Fmr Govs Ortom, Shekarau Battle For PDP National Chairmanship Slot

From Abdul SULE, ABUJA

AHEAD of November 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention, former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, are locked in hot political battle over national championship position.

While Shekarau is backed by the PDP Governors Forum led by Makinde of Oyo state, Ortom is backed by loyalists of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, 

Both camps are battling for who to control the party structures especially who takes charhe as the next National Chairman and National Secretary — positions seen as pivotal to PDP’s survival ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Inside sources reveal that the governors’ forum has thrown its weight behind former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, describing him as a unifier who can steady the party’s shaky ship.

But Wike’s camp is digging in, pushing aggressively for former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, whom they tout as a fearless voice and a tested hand for the turbulent times ahead.

The clash has split the PDP into two power blocs, reviving old rivalries and sparking fears of a deeper implosion. Party watchers warn that if the tussle is not resolved swiftly, it could deal another blow to PDP’s dream of reclaiming power from the ruling APC in 2027.

“This is not just about offices — it’s about who controls PDP’s future,” a party insider described a s "the last battle for the soul of PDP."

While the governors argue that Shekarau’s political maturity makes him the right man to heal divisions, Wike’s loyalists insist Ortom’s grit and loyalty to the party give him the edge to rally the opposition back to reckoning.

Analysts argue that as the secret meetings, late-night phone calls, and closed-door consultations continue, the PDP is the pending national convention is a make or mar for members.