2027: Hope for PDP, like Wike, Makinde faction moves to restore peace

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears to be starting to step back from the deep crisis it is experiencing, as factions loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have begun talks to save the party from total collapse ahead of the 2027 elections.

The crisis hitting the party has raised doubts about its readiness or possibility to play an active role in the upcoming 2027 elections.

But it seems hope has been restored, as claims emerged that both factions in the party have indicated readiness to resolve the crisis and restore peace within the party.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Chairman of the PDP National Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), which is aligned with the Makinde camp, has taken the first steps to ease tensions and reopen communications, following the intervention of the Board of Trustees led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

“To comply with the advice of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, the Board of Trustees established a high-powered committee to interact with our estranged party members,” Turaki said.

As an initial gesture of goodwill, the NWC postponed key National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings and scaled back its public messaging. But the party said it did not get the same response, and instead pointed to the ‘weaponization of hurtful rhetoric’ and ‘insulting statements’.

Even so, Turaki says a shift has now occurred.

“I can confirm unequivocally that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various avenues toward a lasting resolution,” he said.

He appealed directly to his supporters across the country to de-escalate tensions, and warned that careless words or actions could undermine the progress that has been made.

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“As soon as we reach agreed terms, we will voluntarily withdraw all cases, whether in the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, or elsewhere, to give peace a chance,” he said.

Turaki also sought to reassure anxious candidates, many of whom are watching the crisis with growing concern.

“To all the candidates who have supported us so far, we assure you that our party will field candidates for all elected offices,” he said.

“We are willing to bend our knees and turn our backs… PDP will not die,” he said.

He also hinted at internal resistance to the peace process, and stated that some individuals had attempted to oppose reconciliation from within, but he said those issues were now being confronted.

“Since last night, these two elements have been identified and rinsed,” he said.

“As the only surviving party of Nigerian heritage, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy,” he said.

He also sent a broader message to those in power, stressing that leadership must reflect the will of the people.

“Supreme power is in the hands of the people, therefore the people must remain the center of government,” he said.

In a show of internal harmony, the Turaki-led NWC gave a vote of confidence to Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, and praised their role during this crisis.

As both sides now talk and signal a willingness to compromise, the focus is turning to what’s next: whether these fragile talks will lead to a lasting ceasefire or whether the dispute will flare again as the road to 2027 narrows.