The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Friday, as the faction aligned with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed optimism that the Supreme Court and ongoing reconciliation efforts would ultimately rescue the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This position comes amid fresh moves by a rival faction reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which is preparing to hold a separate national convention to elect new party officials.
At the heart of the dispute is the leadership tussle that followed the controversial Ibadan convention, whose outcome was nullified by the Court of Appeal. The Makinde-aligned group, led by Tanimu Turaki, has since approached the Supreme Court, seeking a final resolution.
Speaking after the 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the committee unanimously ratified key decisions taken since the appellate court ruling. These include the appeal to the Supreme Court, ongoing reconciliation efforts, and the continuation of the party’s e-registration exercise.
He acknowledged that reconciliation has not been seamless but maintained that efforts are ongoing, expressing faith that a resolution would eventually be reached.
“When men choose to play God, God will show Himself as God,” he said, stressing the party’s commitment to unity while warning against personal interests overriding collective good.
On reports of a fresh convention being planned by the rival faction, Ememobong said the Makinde-backed group was not officially aware of such a move, noting that sensitive discussions were still ongoing behind closed doors.
Despite the tension, Turaki reassured party members that all hope was not lost. He emphasized that the leadership was working tirelessly to ensure the PDP remains a viable platform for contestants in the 2027 elections and beyond.
According to him, the current crisis is not unprecedented, recalling that the party has weathered similar storms in the past and emerged stronger.
Also lending his voice, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, expressed confidence that the party would overcome its challenges, urging members to remain steadfast.
The crisis stems from the fallout of the November 2025 Ibadan convention, which produced a National Working Committee later nullified by the Court of Appeal. Since then, both factions have been locked in a struggle for control, with disagreements over key leadership positions slowing reconciliation efforts.
As the situation unfolds, the PDP faces mounting pressure to resolve its internal divisions, with analysts warning that prolonged instability could significantly affect its readiness and competitiveness in the 2027 general elections.
