Will the PDP survive current intrigues?
Preparations for the 2027 general elections have commenced with the release of the timetable and schedule of activities for the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While parties
Preparations for the 2027 general elections have commenced with the release of the timetable and schedule of activities for the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While parties are expected to begin preparations for the elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) remains embroiled in a battle for supremacy between warring factions that have threatened to destroy what was once Nigeria's strongest party. With almost all the governors leaving the party, with the exception of Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seye Makinde of Oyo, what does the future hold for the PDP? TONY AKOWE, reports.
These are definitely not the best of times for the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Since losing power to the All Progressives Congress in the 2015 general elections, the fortunes of the party have continued to be on a downward trend. But never in time has the party been so enmeshed in crisis as it is now. The inability to reconcile their differences has already robbed them of participation in the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 2026 and probably the Osun governorship election scheduled for August.
The current infighting over who controls the party started just before the 2023 general elections and immediately after the party primary that produced former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, as the party flag bearer for the 2023 Presidential election. But in spite of the disagreement, the party put up a spirited fight, coming second in the presidential election with over 6 million votes across. At the centre of this crisis has been former Rivers state governor and current Minister of the FCT, Nyelsom Wike, who has held onto the party with the former National Secretary on his side of the divide. Despite working for an APC government, Wike has held onto the PDP card, and his actions and inactions succeeded in chasing key founders of the party, like former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President, David Mark, away from the party. Political observers have argued that allowing Wike alone to fund the party while serving as governor gave him power over the party structures , many of whom are still loyal to him.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and his Jigawa State counterpart, Sule Lamido, are no doubt concerned about developments in the party and have resolved to do everything within their power to help resolve the crisis that has eroded whatever gains the party has ever gained over the years. Makarfi and Lamido met at the Kaduna residence of Senator Makarfi to seek ways of reconciliation and unity. The two former governors said their meeting was part of ongoing efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Makarfi, a former National Caretaker Chairman who recently resigned his position as Secretary of the Board of Trustees Secretary said their discussions were consistent with years of consultations aimed at strengthening the party.
According to him, the current situation in the PDP calls for sober reflection, forgiveness, and a willingness among members to embrace one another. He said, “This is not the time to be angry. It is time to put on our thinking caps and ensure that we come out of the situation the party is in”. The former Kaduna governor and Senator said their meeting was not about individuals, but about the collective interest of the party and members aspiring to contest elective offices in 2027. To him, politics is dynamic, and party leaders must continuously assess national developments and work for what is best for democracy, the country, and the PDP.
He said senior leaders of the party were working underground to address issues affecting the party, adding that there was a need for broader consultations among members and leaders of the party. Senator Makarfi is not lost to the fact that the party is going through serious challenges like every other organisation run by human beings, but was quick to add that the love for democracy, the country, and the party should prevail over personal grievances.
Senator Makarfi was quoted as saying that “reconciliation is at the core of our current discussions because, at the end of the day, after various posturing, we just have to reconcile; note that after the period of Ali Modu Sheriff's leadership, even though a few left the party, we eventually reconciled our differences. Very soon, after the current legal tussle is concluded, no matter what the final judicial verdict is, party stakeholders have to be prepared and ready to do the needful in actualising our reconciliation process.”
On the other hand, Lamido, whose suit against the party is one of those that tend to invalidate the National Convention, which took place in Ibadan, is concerned about the state of the nation, citing security, economic difficulties, corruption, and the health of multi-party democracy as issues demanding a stronger PDP. The former Jigawa Governor, who aspired to the position of National Chairman at the contentious Ibadan Convention, said discussions among party leaders were focused on resolving disputes, including litigations, and forging a united political front within the party. He said for several years, he has compared notes with Senator Makarfi on the state of the country and the fortunes of the PDP. But at the media briefing, he was silent on his suit before Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suit is one of the two suits that stopped the party from holding its national convention in November.
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Lamido, who was said to have nominated the Secretary of the current Board of Trustees for the faction loyal to the FCT Minister, said that although many assumed that he and Makarfi were in opposing camps, they have joined others in initiating a resolute process towards reconciliation. He said, “Yes, Senator Makarfi and I have had serious discussions about reconciliation, and other party stakeholders are working in a similar direction; we believe that we need to begin serious talks between various groups, especially in view of the judgment of the Court of Appeal in nine consolidated appeals filed by all parties to the crisis. Party leaders believe that those laying claims to the soul of the party should put aside their ego and allow peace to reign.
Following the judgement and the suggestion from the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal, the Turaki-led group opted to give peace a chance. But the question is whether that peace will last in view of the fact that the Wike-backed faction is still talking tough, not willing to concede any ground. They are going ahead with their planned convention even as talks about reconciliation are reported ongoing, while both groups still have cases in court. Turaki told newsmen that his leadership has chosen the path of peace in the overall interest of the party and is willing to bend backwards and make necessary sacrifices to ensure the survival of the party and to ensure that the party does not die. Even though there are no visible signs of any talk going on considering the fact that members of the National Caretaker Committee have been given a clean bill to be returned as substantive National Working Committee members, Turaki claimed that leaders of both factions have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution and ask supporters across the board to immediately de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions, so as not to jeopardise the ongoing peace efforts.
He assured that “all cases will give way for peace as soon as we reach that point. We have hope and confidence that we can still work together. We have confidence that in life, there are times to fight and there are also times to make peace. But even when you choose to fight and go to war and win the war, you also need to win the peace. If you have a pathway to winning the peace without necessarily going to war, why not take peace and forgo the war?
He, however, was quick to add that “Matters in court continue. Even as I speak, there are cases filed by both parties, including appeals at the Court of Appeal. Some appeals have been filed by them, others by us, though some have not been taken. As a senior lawyer, I can say that the best judges would advise parties to explore out-of-court settlements whenever possible. In Nigeria, once parties go to court, more issues emerge, and relationships rarely recover. We have chosen the path of peace in the overall interest of party members, particularly our teeming supporters who want PDP to remain an effective platform for the forthcoming elections.
As soon as we reach agreeable terms, which we will honour even in the Court of Appeal, we will willingly withdraw all cases—whether at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or elsewhere—to give peace a chance. All cases will give way to peace as soon as we reach that point. We are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow. We are ready to make all sorts of sacrifices in the overall interest of the party. PDP will not die. Everything possible will be done to make this reconciliation work because nothing is impossible. Issues such as attendance at the convention are among those to be discussed. Once these matters are deliberated, the parties and delegates will decide whether the convention needs to continue. These issues are on the table and will be considered carefully.
“I want to assure you that something unique about PDP is our resilience. We have internal shock absorbers that allow us to come together and resolve differences in a family manner, without giving room for outside speculation. For PDP to have survived as the only legacy party since 1990 demonstrates something special and unique about us. These unique features will be deployed to reunite PDP's family. I want to assure Nigerians that PDP is alive and all hope is not lost. To add context, when the chairman referred to the limits of our wealth and debt, of course, the party constitution defines those limits. Anything outside the constitution is beyond the limit
“The PDP is an opposition party, and surviving as an opposition party requires adherence to legality and functionality within that framewor.”
Although Turaki was not explicit about the ground they are prepared to concede, observers believe that if true reconciliation is to take place within the party, both parties must be prepared to concede ground and possibly accommodate each other in the executive. Checks by The Nation revealed that what the Wike-backed faction has done is to return to the Zoning arrangement that produced the Senator Ayu-led leadership of the party, which situated the National Chairman in the North Central. But unlike Turaki, the FCT Minister is talking tough and may believe that his utterances will not give way to a peaceful resolution of the issues in the party.
He was emphatic when he dismissed any idea of postponing the convention because of reconciliation talks, insisting that the talks would not jeopardise the convention. He also warned that those who failed to be part of the convention will not be admitted into the party, even as he agreed that there are disagreements that need to be resolved.
Some members of the party loyal to the FCT Minister are quick to say that long before now, the FCT Minister had demonstrated openness towards a pragmatic reconciliation process that would embrace the sharing of positions to give good representation to all stakeholders. National Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said the leadership of the group are not averse to peace. He said, “We have always stressed that our doors are wide open for everyone willing to join us in our mission to rebuild the party to come over; we are ready to put aside any differences and work together in the overall interest of the party,” Jungudo said.
Damagun, who once led the Wike faction of the party against the likes of Atiku Abubakar, suddenly found himself on the opposing side. He believed that his intention as Chairman of the party was completely misunderstood, saying every decision he took was in the interest of the party. Damagun said, "When I assumed office as the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, I met a deeply divided house. Factions are distrusting one another, and suspicion clouds our shared purpose. I realised then that what our party needed most was reconciliation, not vengeance, not anger, not blame. We needed to heal the wounds opened after the 2023 general elections.
At the time, some felt I was taking sides because I refused to indulge in the vindictiveness of punishing those they wanted punished. But I knew better. When they could not understand the wisdom of sheathing their swords, they left the party. Yet, even now, those I was accused of aligning with have completely misunderstood my intentions. The truth is simple. Every decision I took, every compromise I made, every gesture of accommodation was for the sake of the Party. I chose the party, not individuals, not factions, but the enduring institution of the PDP that shall outlive us all. That is what loyalty and courage mean. Our democracy is being dragged through the mud, and beyond that, we now face the risk of foreign interference and security threats that challenge our sovereignty. What Nigeria needs now is leadership-bold, visionary leadership-and it must begin with us. We do not have to be in power to begin our mission to rescue, redirect, and rebuild this country. That mission begins right here, in the opposition”.
Prior to the National Convention in Ibadan, the Board of Trustees of the party, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, saw the need to reconcile all warring parties to pave the way for the smooth running of the party. The BoT decided to set up a high-powered reconciliation committee to meet with all concerned and forge a way forward. The committee is headed by Hassan Adamu. Adamu met with all the warring parties as well as some stakeholders, which included former Senate President, Bukola Saraki. One thing was evident, and that was the fact that everyone wanted peace, or so it appeared. Saraki warned against holding the National convention, advocating the setting up of a National Caretaker Committee that will oversee the affairs of the Party and lead a reconciliation that will bring back life to the party. He warned that going ahead with the planned elective national Convention will not be beneficial to the party and its members nationwide. He said, despite selfless and arduous efforts by some patriotic members, the planned elective convention has become mired in extensive controversy, both political and legal, adding that political issues are not always settled in court.
Saraki said on his X-handle, "On 12 November 2025, I had the pleasure to receive members of the BOT Reconciliation Team of our great party, the PDP, led by Wakili Adamawa, Amb. Hassan Adamu. They requested a meeting in order to seek my opinion on the possible ways of restoring peace within the party. It was a meaningful and incisive meeting during which matters of great importance affecting our party were discussed. We deliberated extensively on issues relating to the National Convention scheduled for 15-16 November 2025 in Ibadan. In summary, I expressed deep regret that, despite the selfless and arduous efforts by some of us, the Convention has become mired in extensive controversy, both political and legal. This does not bode well for not only our party, but for Nigeria's democracy in general. I made it clear to the BOT team that political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. Affairs of political parties are best resolved amicably with all sides seated around the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction. As it stands, the fact is that there are conflicting court orders in relation to the validity of the scheduled convention. As a result, there is no assurance as to whether the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand. As a leader, on whose shoulders lies the political weight of the yearnings and aspirations of my people, I cannot, in all good conscience, take or be part of any action that will jeopardise their aspirations. My advice to the BOT team is that the only solution available to us now is for the party to set up a Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party for the time being. This must be done in the next two days. This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the Party. It is also the best way to give confidence to our members who intend to contest elections on the PDP platform. In the present circumstance, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP, not knowing whether his or her nomination will be valid or declared null and void. It is clear that going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan on 15-16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the present crisis. Therefore, going ahead with the Convention as scheduled is a waste of effort. It does not have my support. It's not too late to find a win-win solutio".
Saraki's position was supported by the reconciliation committee, which recommended putting on hold the planned elective National Convention and the composition of an all-inclusive Caretaker Committee to resolve all contending issues. They, however, indicted governors of the party and some other members of working for their own selfish interest and taking loyalty to individuals more important than loyalty to the party. The report of the committee, which was submitted to the Senator Adolphus Wabara- led Board of Trustees, revealed that both the PDP governors and FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike, accused each other of betrayal and failure to respect and obey existing agreements. The report was signed by Amb. Hassan Adamu (North East) - Chairman, Chief. Mike Oghiadomhe (South South) - Secretary, Prince Olagunsonye Oyinlola (South West), Sen. Zaynab Kure (North Central), Dr Lubna Gusau (North West) and Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East), who served as members.
The report said: "In the course of this assignment, we found out that friction, distrust and lack of sincerity had festered for too long amongst the key players (governors & NWC members), and the year 2027 became an issue with regard to who gets what. This affected the smooth running of the Party. Job descriptions were tempered within the NWC. The spirit of carrying each other along got affected. Camps became birthed within. Loyalties got shifted more to individuals than the Party. Litigation in courts across the strata got attended to, not with the speed and candour resulting in more crises". It recommended that: "going ahead with the convention at this time must be subject to favourable legal status and disposition of INEC. However, considering the multiple court orders and judgments, INEC is not likely to monitor the Convention. Accordingly, an all-inclusive Care Takers Committee (CTC) is recommended because a failed convention will incapacitate the tenability of the party to field candidates at all levels nationally. For this to be effected, all the NWC should revert to the status quo ante immediately. Suspension orders should be lifted and all parties brought together for genuine reconciliation. The BOT must be given its prime position to be able to mediate and guide processes within the Party. On her part, the BoT must always be seen to be neutral. The constitution of the Party must be amended to accommodate some key issues. The intention to grant the Governors Forum status of an organ of the party by constitutional amendment should not be done at this time. Above all, the Party constitution must be upheld always. Party supremacy and discipline are core. There is therefore the need for the BoT , NWC, Governors Forum, and all critical stakeholders to come together and resolve all these issues to allow for a successful hitch-free convention going forward".
The Committee reported that it met with the FCT Minister, the PDP Governors Forum led by Senator Bala Mohammed, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Ambassador Iliya Damagum, and the suspended members of the NWC (comprising Sen. Anyanwu (the National secretary), Bature (the Organising Secretary), and Bar. Ajibade SAN (the National legal adviser), as well as former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in the course of their assignment. It reported that "Wike questioned the reconciliation committee's integrity and neutrality, citing its formation in a meeting attended by the Damagun-led NWC, while objecting to the BoT's declaration supporting the Damagun-led NWC and the Oyo State High Court judgment, feeling it prejudiced his cooperation. Minister Wike suggested the BoT should have met without parties present and then invited both sides. He criticised the zoning committee's process, alleging fundamental errors and exclusion from consultations.”
They reported that Wike accused the Governors' Forum, led by Gov. Bala and Seyi Makinde, of hijacking party processes and pursuing selfish agendas. The minister also accused other PDP governors who have now left the party and pitched their tent with the APC of collaborating with the APC. The report said
"Governor Bala accused Minister Wike of betrayal, causing confusion, and disregarding the party constitution. He stated that the Governors' Forum had fulfilled agreements, but Minister Wike insisted on absolute control. He alleged that Minister Wike aims to weaken and destroy the PDP, while accusing him of being trouble-prone and unlikely to cease attacks on the party and its structures".
Other stakeholders of the party, including the then National Working Committee, led by Amb. Umar Damagun also spoke their mind, but it was all accusation after accusation. But the Wabara-led BoT refused to accept the recommendation of the reconciliation committee not to go ahead with the national convention in Ibadan. It said the report does not represent the position of the Board, adding that it stands by the resolution to go ahead with the national convention in line with the Supreme Court judgement that made the affairs of political parties their internal affair. Wabara said in a statement that "the BoT states in clear terms that the content of the said Report is not and does not represent the official position of the Board. Having not been considered or adopted by the BoT, it cannot in any form or guise whatsoever be regarded as the position of the BoT”. The Ibadan convention appeared to have added more problems to the party, suspending all those seen to be loyal to the FCT Minister. The Minister 's team also suspended all those who participated in the Ibadan convention, including those elected as NWC members. With that, the naked dance of the party leaders continued, while those with ambition have continued to leave in droves.
Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, accused leaders and governors of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of mismanaging the party and plunging it into crisis through poor leadership and unilateral decisions. Dickson, who has since dumped the party to register his own, said the prolonged crisis in the party reflected a failure of leadership by key stakeholders. A worried Dickson said, “I am very bothered about the crisis in the PDP, which has festered for so long and which frankly speaks to a lack of leadership”.
He accused former party leaders and governors of taking strategic decisions without adequate consultation and later seeking rescue when such decisions backfired. He said, “They keep calling the shots and take leadership decisions, strategic decisions, sometimes without consulting people. And before you know what is happening, those who have taken those decisions without listening to advice are the ones to bail out.” Dickson said the party's decline was worsened by the governors who treated the PDP as personal property, adding that “PDP leaders have messed up completely, and the governors have missed every opportunity to pursue and achieve a reasonable solution to save a historic brand like PDP that they are toying with. Maybe they think it's their personal property, but the PDP is a national brand. The governors contributed to taking sides, not taking decisive actions when they should have, dividing the party according to camps and allowing whatever little ambitions they had to go into their heads. It's unfortunate what has happened to PDP. What has happened to PDP? I can't even wish for an enemy. A party formed by great democrats, a great party that they formed for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, irrespective of religion”.
The former Bayelsa governor said the party's founding leaders built it as a national platform symbolised by an umbrella for all Nigerians, saying, “They selected an umbrella as a symbol. Wherever you are in this country, the rain and the sun will not touch you. This umbrella will protect you. I am still in PDP because I'm faithful to the platform that has given my people so much and also given me so much. Every small person who is in one office now will just carry on as if they own the party. The party that we admitted them to, gave them tickets, fought for them, supported them”.
The ruling of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which invalidated the national convention held in Ibadan and directed INEC to recognise the Caretaker Committee, appeared to have opened fresh winds in the party. Before the judgement, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee appeared to have made some inroads in trying to rebuild the party. They visited many of the founding fathers of the party, trying to get their buy-in, while trying to get some of them who had left the party back into the fold.
Recent happenings indicate that some members and governors of the Turaki group may have concluded plans to join other parties. One of those believed to be nursing such an ambition is Oyo state governor, Seye Makinde, who has been at the forefront of the fight against Wike. Although Makinde contributed to working against the party's candidate in the 2023 elections, he is believed to be nursing a Presidential ambition and has stood solidly behind the Turaki group. His recent meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and their subsequent meeting with former President Ibrahim Babangida in Minna is seen as an indication of his future plans. Political watchers believe that the judgement of the Court of Appeal in nine separate appeals, which have been consolidated, has changed the narratives in the party. But the question is whether the eventual holding of the national convention by the Wike group will bring lasting peace to the party. Will the PDP be on that ballot, especially for the Presidential elections in January 2027?
