By Suleiman Ibrahim
The ongoing leadership struggle within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of abating, with sources revealing that a discreet agreement between President Bola Tinubu and some PDP governors is a key factor fueling the crisis of confidence within the party.
Insiders close to the PDP confirm that a “gentleman’s pact” has been struck between President Tinubu and several first-term PDP governors. This arrangement reportedly allows the governors to support Tinubu politically without defecting to his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while Tinubu, in return, offers backing to help secure their re-election bids.
One source explained,
“The pact is such that Mr. President will get the support of the governors without necessarily defecting to the APC. They will help deliver the president’s votes in their states, while the president supports their re-election campaigns.”
Highlighting this dynamic, the Akwa Ibom State Governor recently hinted at the deal:
“I don’t know how to talk from both sides of the mouth. The other day, I said I was going to support Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. People asked why I would say that. But at night, those same people go behind and tell Baba they would support him. Then, in the afternoon, they’re doing something else. As for me, I’m supporting Baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. When the time comes, I’ll tell you why. The time hasn’t come yet. But, when it does, you’ll understand. Let me keep it for now, no need to lie to ourselves.”
According to the source, only one PDP governor is unlikely to benefit from this arrangement due to local political dynamics and personality conflicts.
The source further noted that former Rivers State Governor and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike’s alignment with President Tinubu has helped strengthen the president’s foothold within the PDP.
“Wike may not currently be on good terms with Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, but they will work together for Tinubu, especially if Atiku Abubakar secures the PDP presidential ticket. Mohammed recently said they won’t collaborate with those who did not support them. His son openly stated they would not back Atiku because he worked against the father in the last governorship elections by supporting the APC candidate. Plateau, Adamawa, and Oyo governors are reportedly aligned with Wike. Although the national secretary issue remains unresolved, Wike is believed to be behind it. Bottom line: I don’t see the PDP as an obstacle to Tinubu’s re-election. This understanding likely underpins the gentleman’s pact — a ‘you rub my back, I rub yours’ arrangement.”
As with most first-term presidents, Tinubu’s goal is to secure a second term and extend his rule beyond 2027. The steady wave of defections from the opposition to his party, particularly among National Assembly members, signals progress toward this ambition.
Historically, apart from the 1999 elections, no political party since 2003 has won the presidency outright without defections and political realignments. For instance, in the lead-up to the 2015 election, the APC gained key figures from the PDP, including the House of Representatives Speaker and several governors. Conversely, before the 2019 election, the APC lost the Senate President and some governors through defections.
As the political chess game unfolds ahead of 2027, these alliances and deals will likely play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
