Conflicting directives from two top national officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalled the party’s long-awaited congress in Plateau State, deepening divisions within the opposition group and leaving its members frustrated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The congress, which was scheduled to resolve leadership disputes and prepare the party for upcoming elections, could not proceed after the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, issued separate and contradictory instructions to party members and officials on the ground.

Party insiders said the directives concerned the conduct of ward and local government delegates who were expected to participate in the state congress. While one directive reportedly authorized a particular set of delegates, the other recognized a different list, creating confusion among officials responsible for accreditation and voting.

Tension at the venue

Hundreds of party members gathered at the state capital in Jos on Saturday morning, expecting the congress to begin. Instead, they were met with hours of delay as organizers struggled to determine which instructions to follow.

Witnesses said tension rose as rival groups loyal to different factions of the PDP insisted on their own version of the rules. Security operatives were deployed to prevent clashes as discussions dragged on between party leaders, state officials, and representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This is embarrassing. Our members came out in large numbers, but we could not even start the process because Abuja sent conflicting orders,” said a PDP supporter who asked not to be named.

By late afternoon, organizers announced that the congress would be postponed indefinitely, citing the need for clarification from the party’s national headquarters.

Background of party disputes

The Plateau PDP has faced internal wrangling for months, with rival camps battling over control of the state chapter. The disagreements mirror wider divisions in the national party, where senior figures have often clashed over strategy, appointments, and election preparations.

The congress was seen as a critical step toward uniting the party ahead of local government elections and building momentum for the 2027 general elections. Instead, the stalemate reinforced doubts about the PDP’s ability to present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This setback is unfortunate,” said a political analyst in Jos. “If the PDP cannot put its house in order, it risks losing credibility among Plateau voters who are already skeptical of internal party fights.”

Official silence deepens confusion

Neither Ologunagba nor Anyanwu immediately responded to requests for comment. Calls and messages to their offices were not returned by press time.

However, PDP insiders said the dispute reflects broader tensions at the national level. Some party leaders reportedly back Ologunagba’s approach, while others align with Anyanwu, who has been positioning himself as a strong voice in the party’s internal realignments.