Makinde, Bala Mohammed differ on way forward for PDP
The two surviving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have expressed divergent positions on the way forward for the party. While Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde believes that a reconciliation with
- From David Adenuga, Bauchi; Fanen Ihyongo, Kano, Tony Akowe, Abuja and Idris Abdulsalam, Kaduna
The two surviving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have expressed divergent positions on the way forward for the party.
While Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde believes that a reconciliation with the AbdulRaman Muhammad-led National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) is a vote for Tinubu’s continuation in 2027, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed holds the opinion that the party will come together ahead of the general election.
Both of them spoke during Makinde’s visit to Bauchi yesterday.
Makinde said: “I came once into the public domain to say that I was in a meeting with Wike and Mr President, and he promised to hold PDP for Mr President towards 2027. So, anyone dealing with Wike and his group… it means you have also agreed to support President Tinubu for 2027.
“Even though they have the government and the judiciary, we have the people behind us.”
But Makinde did not make known his alternative to reconciliation.
The NCWC is backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
While hosting the Oyo State governor, Mohammed said: “Reconciliation is not something we have called for. It has been midwifed by a competent court of jurisdiction.” He expressed hope that the differences could still be resolved.
There is an ongoing bickering by the NCWN and the Tanimu Turaki-led group over the delay in the commencement of reconciliation talks to salvage the once dominant political party.
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Makinde also visited the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso in Kano.
Kwankwaso, a fortnight ago, was at the Oyo State governor’s office after inaugurating the Ibadan secretariat of his party.
Neither Makinde nor Kwankwaso spoke after the meeting.
Kwankwaso also hosted former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Senator Seriake Dickson, who recently defected from the PDP to one of the two new parties registered by INEC, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi and former Information Minister Jerry Gana are among influential members of the PDP currently holding extensive meetings and consultations to reconcile the Turaki group with the NCWC.
Their immediate task is to build a consensus before the party’s March 29- 30 national convention in Abuja.
The reconciliatory talks were made possible by the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, which annulled the November 2025 convention in Ibadan that produced the Turaki-led national working committee.
The court’s decision effectively handed over the party to the AbdulRaman Muhammad-led NCWC.
Obi calls for competence in leadership
Former LP presidential candidate Obi continued his nationwide consultations with a visit to Kaduna State, where he engaged party stakeholders and members on the future of leadership and national development.
During the visit, Obi met with key political figures, including Ahmed Tijjani, a gubernatorial hopeful, and Lawal Adamu, the Senator representing Kaduna Central.
He said his interactions revealed not just political ambition but a genuine desire among stakeholders to serve the people and contribute to rebuilding the country.
Describing Kaduna as a strategic state, Obi noted its historical significance as a symbol of unity and coexistence, as well as a major hub for industry, agriculture, and commerce.
He expressed confidence that with disciplined, competent, and people-oriented leadership, the state could regain its lost glory for the benefit of all Nigerians.
