Fresh divisions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike set out conditions for reconciliation with the rival group led by Taminu Turaki, even as tensions continue to rock the opposition party.
The caretaker committee controlling the party structure, led by Abdulrahaman Muhammed with Samuel Anyanwu as secretary, is widely seen as enjoying Wike’s backing. The opposing faction, meanwhile, is supported by governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
The internal standoff intensified after the Court of Appeal nullified the party’s November 16, 2025 convention that had produced the Turaki-led National Working Committee.
Rather than calming the crisis, the judgment has effectively handed operational control to the caretaker committee, which has since moved ahead with plans for state congresses this weekend, a national convention slated for March 28 and 29, and a presidential primary scheduled for May 23.
Both camps also held parallel meetings of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), highlighting the widening cracks in the PDP leadership.
The BoT aligned with the Turaki–Makinde faction and led by Adolphus Wabara rejected the appellate court’s decision but nevertheless signalled openness to dialogue with the Wike-backed camp. It also announced the formation of a reconciliation committee, though its members were not disclosed.
However, the BoT loyal to Wike and chaired by Sam Ohunabuwa urged the opposing faction to abandon plans to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court, insisting that preparations for congresses, convention and other party activities would continue as scheduled.
Wike himself outlined what he described as the prerequisites for any reconciliation. These include transparency, sincerity, acceptance of the caretaker committee’s authority, and respect for already scheduled party processes.
Speaking after meeting Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro and House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCT minister insisted that the PDP crisis was part of a natural political process.
“PDP will never die.
“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.”
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Wike, however, warned the Turaki faction against what he described as covert manoeuvres during peace talks.
“Minority leader, when you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms of reconciliation so that we will know.
“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 minister also dismissed allegations that his role in the ruling government undermines his loyalty to the opposition party.
“It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration, but all the ones who accused me are today in APC, and I, whom they accused, have not left the PDP.”
On the forthcoming national convention, Wike rejected suggestions that another caretaker committee could be formed to appease dissatisfied members, arguing that preparations were already complete.
“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. They have paid the necessary fees. They have secured the venue.
“So, let no one bring up another suggestion to form another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. Convention must hold, and we will allow everybody to participate.”
He also brushed aside threats by the opposing faction to challenge the court decision at the apex court.
“They said they are going to the Supreme Court; it is okay. The court is for everybody. Even in table tennis, one must lose.
“There is no tie in this game. We have the upper hand, and we will tell you this is what we want.”
Amid the deepening dispute, Senator Moro attempted to broker a compromise, acknowledging Wike’s influence within the party while urging rival groups to find common ground.
“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.
“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.”
He appealed to party members to prioritise the PDP’s survival over personal ambitions.
“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.”
Chinda, for his part, portrayed the appellate 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.
“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.
“We want to assure you that within a short time in the House of Representatives, you will see people defecting to the PDP.”
Even so, he warned that 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,” he said.