LAGOS — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has stepped back from the brink of a deep internal crisis, as camps loyal to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have opened peace talks to stabilise the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
For months, tensions had escalated, spilling into courtrooms, public exchanges and behind-the-scenes power struggles, raising concerns about the party’s unity and readiness for the next electoral cycle.
Now, under mounting pressure, both sides appear to be recalibrating, opting for dialogue over a prolonged standoff.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday, factional PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), aligned with the Makinde camp, had taken initial steps to ease tensions and reopen communication, following the intervention of the Board of Trustees (BoT) led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.
“In obedience to the advisory of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, the Board of Trustees constituted a high-powered committee to interface with our estranged party members,” Turaki said.
As a show of good faith, the NWC postponed key meetings of the National Executive Committee and National Caucus, and moderated its public rhetoric.
However, the party said it had not received a similar response, citing the “weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric” and “derogatory statements.”
“I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution,” Turaki added.
He urged supporters nationwide to lower tensions, warning that careless words or actions could derail the fragile progress.
Despite the talks, legal battles remain active in several courts, including the Court of Appeal, underscoring the depth of the divisions. Still, the party signalled its willingness to abandon litigation if a political settlement is reached.
“As soon as we reach agreeable terms, we will willingly withdraw all cases — whether at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or elsewhere — to give peace a chance,” he said.
Turaki also sought to reassure aspirants unsettled by the crisis.
“To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that our party will field candidates for all elective offices,” he said.
He acknowledged that compromise would be inevitable, stressing the party’s determination to remain united.
“We are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow… PDP will not die,” he said.
Turaki further hinted at internal resistance to reconciliation, noting that some individuals had worked against peace efforts, but said such elements had now been identified and addressed.
Beyond the crisis, the PDP reaffirmed its role in Nigeria’s political landscape, positioning itself as a central opposition force committed to democratic accountability.
“As Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy,” he said.
He also emphasised that leadership must reflect the will of the people.
“Ultimate power resides with the people; it must therefore remain the centrepiece of governance,” he added.
In a show of internal alignment, the Turaki-led NWC passed a vote of confidence on Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, commending their roles during the crisis.
Convention won’t affect reconciliation in PDP — Wike
Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike dismissed claims of deep factionalism within the PDP, insisting the party remains united despite grievances among some members.
Speaking after inspecting ongoing projects across the Federal Capital Territory, Wike downplayed the idea of rival camps ahead of the party’s convention.
“I don’t know which camp you are talking about now. There is only one PDP. It would be wrong for me to say the other camp. I don’t know whether any other camp exists,” he said.
He acknowledged that while some members have made efforts to mend relationships, these are personal reconciliations rather than formal factional negotiations.
“Naturally, some individuals may not be happy. If you say so, yes, some individuals may not be happy and have called to say ‘let bygones be bygones,’ but not a faction. There is only one PDP now,” he added.
On the party’s internal timetable, Wike said the convention scheduled for this weekend would proceed as planned, regardless of ongoing reconciliation efforts. He cited timelines set by the Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the commencement of primaries.
