Wike’s camp sets terms for reconciliation as the PDP crisis deepens

Fresh divisions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after a faction allied to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike set terms for reconciliation with a rival group led by Taminu Turaki, even as tensions continue to rock the opposition party.

The interim committee controlling the party structure, headed by Abdulrahaman Muhammed with Samuel Anyanwu as secretary, is widely seen as enjoying Wike’s support. The opposition faction, meanwhile, is supported by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

The internal deadlock escalated after the Court of Appeal annulled the party’s November 16 2025 convention that resulted in the Turaki-led National Working Committee.

Rather than defuse the crisis, the decision handed operational control to the interim committee, which has since moved ahead with plans to hold a state congress this weekend, a national convention scheduled for March 28 and 29, and a presidential primary scheduled for May 23.

The two camps also held parallel meetings of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), highlighting the growing gap in the PDP leadership.

The MWA, which is allied with the Turaki–Makinde faction and led by Adolphus Wabara, rejected the appeal court decision but still signaled openness to dialogue with the Wike-backed camp. They also announced the formation of a reconciliation committee, although its members were not disclosed.

However, the BoT loyal to Wike and headed by Sam Ohunabuwa urged the rival faction to abandon plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, and insisted that preparations for the party’s congress, convention and other activities would continue as scheduled.

Wike himself outlined what he described as the prerequisites for any reconciliation. This includes transparency, sincerity, acceptance of the authority of the governing committee, and respect for scheduled party processes.

Speaking after meeting with 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 the natural political process.

“PDP will never die.

“There are times when you experience a crisis, but the crisis is for you to manage yourself. Life is gradual. For me, what happens is a natural process that we have to go through as humans. We want reconciliation, but true reconciliation.”

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Wike, however, warned the Turaki faction against what he described as covert maneuvers during peace talks.

“Minority leader, when you talk about reconciliation, lay out your reconciliation terms so we know.

“A concrete proposal, unlike the last time you came to me and before I knew it, you were in Ibadan for a convention.

“I don’t like those who go to negotiate at night and shout during the day. Let those who come for peace come during the day and not at night.”

The minister also dismissed accusations that his role in the ruling government undermined his loyalty to opposition parties.

“It is as if I am the cause of this problem because I work in the APC government, but all those who are accusing me are currently in the APC, and I, who they are accusing, have not left the PDP.”

At the upcoming national convention, Wike rejected suggestions that another interim committee could be formed to appease disgruntled members, arguing that preparations were already complete.

“The party is working hard so that the convention can take place. They have paid the necessary fees. They have secured the venue.

“So, let no one put forward another proposal to form a temporary committee. I will not accept it. A convention must be held, and we will allow everyone to participate.”

He also dismissed threats from the opposing camp to challenge the court decision at the highest level.

“They said they would go to the Supreme Court, that’s fine. The court is for everyone. Even in table tennis, there are bound to be losers.”

“There is no draw in this match. We have the upper hand, and we will tell you that 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 the rival groups to find common ground.

“I convey solidarity from the National Assembly. I want to reiterate here that the NASS caucus of our great party has always been at the forefront in realizing a united PDP.

“The crisis has rocked the PDP for some time, and the NASS caucus under the leadership of myself and Hon.Kingsley Chinda decided that we must provide a platform so that we can act as one.”

He appealed to party members to prioritize the survival of the PDP over personal ambitions.

“Whether I contest the 2027 elections or not, the survival of the PDP is the most important thing for me. I cannot ignore it. Everyone has to accept certain sacrifices.”

Chinda, for his part, described the appeal court decision as a turning point for the opposition party.

“For us, we are happy that Monday’s verdict is not only for the PDP but for democracy in the country.

“You’ve seen an exodus of our members in the past simply because of fear for the survival of the platform, but Monday’s decision has put a stop to all that.

“We want to assure you that in the near future in the DPR, you will see people defecting to the PDP.”

Even so, he reminded that reconciliation must be built on the basis of justice.

“Yes, we desire peace, but whoever seeks peace must also seek justice. That is the only thing that can give us sustainable peace,” he said.