Nigeria’s opposition PDP faces fresh turmoil as Nyesom Wike lists conditions for reconciliation after the Court of Appeal voided the Turaki-led NWC. Party leaders push for unity ahead of the 2027 elections
PDP Power Struggle Deepens as Wike Sets Conditions for Reconciliation
Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis as rival factions struggle to control the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest twist came after the Court of Appeal nullified the November 16, 2025 national convention, which had produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).
The ruling has effectively strengthened the position of a caretaker committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while the Turaki faction continues to enjoy support from some party leaders including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
Both camps have since intensified negotiations in Abuja in a bid to salvage the unity of the party.
Despite expressing support for reconciliation, Wike insisted that any peace process must be genuine and transparent.
Speaking after a meeting with Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro and House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the FCT minister maintained that the PDP would survive the current crisis.
“PDP will never die,” Wike declared.
He described the internal conflict as part of a natural political process.
“There comes a time when you have crises, but those crises are for you to put yourself in order. Life is in stages. For me, what is happening is a natural process that we must pass through as humans. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation.”
However, the former Rivers State governor made it clear that reconciliation must be based on clear commitments.
“Minority leader, when you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms of reconciliation so that we will know.”
He warned against secret negotiations and political manoeuvring.
“Concrete proposals, not like the last time you came to me and before I knew it, you were in Ibadan for the convention.
“I don’t like those who go to negotiate at night and come out to shout in the day. Let those coming for peace come in the daytime and not at night.”
The Court of Appeal’s decision to invalidate the controversial Ibadan convention has reshaped the balance of power within the party.
The ruling effectively restored the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed with Senator Samuel Anyanwu as secretary, which has now moved swiftly to consolidate control.
The committee has already announced:
- State congresses in several states
- A national convention scheduled for March 28–29
- Presidential primary slated for May 23
Party insiders say these timelines are designed to ensure the PDP meets Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadlines ahead of the next election cycle.
Amid the escalating tensions, the PDP caucus in the National Assembly has stepped in to mediate.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro emphasised that the survival of the party must come before personal ambitions.
“I bring you solidarity from the National Assembly. I want to reiterate very emphatically here that the NASS caucus of our great party has always been in the forefront of having a united PDP.”
He acknowledged that the party had faced prolonged internal crises but insisted that unity was possible.
“Crisis has rocked the PDP for some time, and the NASS caucus under my leadership and Hon. Kingsley Chinda resolved that we must provide a platform so that we can act as one.”
Moro also made a personal appeal for compromise among party leaders.
“Whether I contest the election in 2027 or not, the survival of PDP is paramount to me. I cannot abandon it. Everybody should accept some level of sacrifice.”
House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda described the court ruling as a turning point for the opposition party.
“For us, we are happy that the judgment of Monday is not just for PDP but for democracy in the country.”
According to him, the decision could restore confidence among members who had previously defected.
“You have seen the exodus of our members in the past just because of the fear of the viability of the platform, but Monday’s judgment has laid all that to rest.
“Within a short time in the House of Representatives, you will see people defecting to the PDP.”
He stressed that genuine reconciliation must be built on fairness.
“Yes, we crave for peace, but whoever seeks peace must also seek justice. That is the only thing that can give us sustained peace.”
The party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) is also split between the rival camps.
The Adolphus Wabara-led BoT, aligned with the Turaki faction, rejected the Court of Appeal judgment but expressed willingness to pursue reconciliation.
In an eleven-point communiqué issued after its emergency meeting, the board said it disagreed with the ruling that invalidated the convention.
However, it also acknowledged the need for dialogue.
The communiqué stated that, “The Board… acknowledges and resolves to explore the window provided by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, for reconciliation within the party.”
On the other hand, the BoT aligned with the caretaker committee urged the party to move away from endless legal battles.
Its chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, described the moment as critical for the party’s future.
“The court has spoken once again that the rule of law must prevail in our party’s internal affairs.
“Enough of litigation that will delay our activities towards the 2027 general election.”
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has advised the rival factions to resolve their dispute amicably.
Justice Biobele Georgewill, who presided over the three-man panel hearing the case, emphasised that the conflict should be treated as a family matter.
He urged the PDP leadership to prioritise unity in the interest of the party.
“The case has been adjourned sine die to allow all the parties to meet for reconciliation.”
The judge also reminded the party of the INEC timetable for the 2027 elections, which requires political parties to conduct primaries between April 23 and May 30.
At the grassroots level, several party leaders appear to be backing the caretaker leadership.
Chairman of the PDP Forum of State Chairmen, Austin Nwachukwu, said many state chapters were satisfied with the direction of the party.
“My colleagues who are state chairmen said they are very pleased with the way things are going on now in the party.”
He also called for reforms to strengthen the party’s membership structure ahead of future elections.
“We also wish to ask the party to critically examine the Amended Electoral Act, particularly regarding membership registration.”
The latest developments underscore the magnitude of the crisis facing Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
With preparations already underway for congresses, a national convention, and presidential primaries, the PDP leadership must quickly resolve internal divisions if it hopes to mount a credible challenge in 2027.
For now, the fate of the party appears to hinge on whether its rival factions can transform fragile negotiations into lasting unity. Read More
