The caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives has elected Fred Abedi, a federal lawmaker from Bayelsa State, as its new leader, marking a major setback for loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The election took place during a PDP House caucus meeting on Wednesday night, amid internal tensions and resistance from members aligned with Wike. Efforts by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), a known ally of Wike, to block Abedi’s emergence were unsuccessful.

Sources at the meeting confirmed that the majority of PDP lawmakers voted in favour of Abedi, rejecting opposition moves to stall the process.

The development is seen as a significant internal shift within the caucus, with members signalling a resolve to reposition the PDP as a credible opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party insiders described the outcome as a rejection of perceived anti-party elements and influence from appointees of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They said the new leadership under Abedi is expected to refocus the caucus’s legislative agenda and party loyalty.

The change in leadership follows growing discontent among PDP lawmakers over internal divisions and alleged attempts by Wike’s camp to weaken the party’s structure in the National Assembly. With Abedi now leading the caucus, lawmakers say they are poised to provide more robust opposition to the APC-led federal government.