Efforts to mend the deepening internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have gathered momentum, with influential party figures outlining strict conditions aimed at restoring unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources close to the ongoing discussions reveal that reconciliation talks are focused on major structural and legal concerns. These include the future of the party’s leadership framework, the possibility of convening a new national convention, the withdrawal of court cases, and demands for both public and private apologies among feuding members.
Insiders from both factions of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) — one aligned with Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and the other with Abdulrahman Mohammed — confirmed that negotiations are underway, although they remain at an early stage.
Among the options reportedly being considered is the convening of a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to address contentious issues. Should that fail, party stakeholders are said to be weighing the option of organizing another national convention to reset the leadership structure.
The crisis intensified after PDP governors endorsed the Ibadan convention held on November 16, which produced Turaki and other NWC officials for a four-year tenure. However, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside allies such as Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, have maintained that they remain the party’s acting National Chairman and acting National Secretary.
Although governors facilitated a leadership transition from former chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9, 2025, the Wike-aligned faction preemptively established a 13-member caretaker committee with a 60-day mandate.
Since then, both groups have sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, INEC has declined to acknowledge candidates submitted by either faction for the Ekiti governorship election, further complicating the party’s position.
Party insiders warn that the inability to present candidates, coupled with ongoing defections to the APC and ADC, has heightened anxiety over the PDP’s viability as a competitive force in 2027.
One senior source noted that prolonged litigation could severely undermine the party’s electoral prospects. According to him, INEC’s stance suggests that a political settlement is inevitable, as continued court battles — currently before the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal — could extend to the Supreme Court and outlast primary election timelines.
To move forward, stakeholders have reportedly proposed several key conditions for reconciliation:
- Public and private apologies to address past hostilities
- Lifting of all suspensions and expulsions
- Withdrawal of ongoing court cases
- A properly constituted NEC meeting, potentially leading to a caretaker arrangement
- Formal notification to and supervision by INEC
- Possible compromises or fresh congresses in disputed party structures
There is also growing sentiment within the party that a fresh national convention may become necessary if a NEC meeting does not yield consensus. Sources emphasize that INEC’s full involvement will be crucial regardless of the chosen path.
Behind the scenes, former Senate President Bukola Saraki is said to be playing a significant mediating role, alongside leaders from the National Assembly, NEC, and the Board of Trustees. Those familiar with the process describe it as delicate but express cautious optimism that unity can be restored.
Confirming the ongoing consultations, Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led NWC, stated that discussions are in progress, though no formal agreements have been finalized. He stressed that reconciliation efforts aimed at strengthening the party are welcome, but would require compromise from all sides.
Similarly, Okechukwu Osuoha, a member of the Wike-backed caretaker committee, acknowledged that dialogue is ongoing and expressed hope for tangible progress before month’s end. He attributed INEC’s refusal to recognize the party’s candidate to legal complications stemming from the disputed convention and reaffirmed the caretaker committee’s readiness to support genuine reconciliation efforts.
As tensions persist, party leaders appear increasingly aware that resolving internal disputes may be critical to the PDP’s survival and competitiveness in the approaching 2027 general elections.
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