The Peoples Democratic Party says it has pulled back from the brink of a major internal crisis as camps loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike begin reconciliation talks. Party leaders hope the dialogue will stabilise the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For months, tensions between the two camps spilled into court cases, public exchanges and behind the scenes power struggles, raising doubts about the party’s unity and readiness for future polls. Under growing pressure, both sides are now choosing engagement over confrontation.
Speaking in Abuja, factional PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki said the party’s National Working Committee, aligned with the Makinde camp, made the first moves to ease tensions after the intervention of the Board of Trustees led by Senator Adolphus Wabara. He said the BoT set up a high powered committee to reach out to aggrieved leaders and reopen lines of communication.
As a sign of good faith, the NWC postponed key meetings of the National Executive Committee and National Caucus and toned down its public statements. Turaki said the same restraint was not immediately reciprocated and complained about what he called hurtful rhetoric and derogatory remarks from the other side.
However, he confirmed that a breakthrough has now been recorded. According to him, leaders on both sides have “broken the ice” and are exploring different options for a lasting settlement, while he appealed to party supporters to lower tensions and avoid actions or comments that could derail the fragile progress.
Turaki admitted that legal battles are still ongoing in several courts, including the Court of Appeal, reflecting the depth of the rift. He said the PDP is ready to withdraw all pending cases at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court once a political agreement is reached to give peace a chance.
He also reassured worried aspirants that the party will field candidates for all elective positions in upcoming polls. He stressed that compromise will be unavoidable but insisted that the PDP will not collapse, saying its leaders are ready to “bend as far as our necks and backs allow” to keep the party united.
Turaki hinted that some individuals within the party had tried to undermine the reconciliation effort but said those elements have now been identified and removed from sensitive roles since the previous night. He thanked Nigerians who continue to register as party members online, saying public support has remained steady despite the internal crisis.
He described the PDP as Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party with a responsibility to defend and strengthen democracy. He reminded those in government that ultimate power belongs to the people and must remain at the centre of governance.
The Turaki led NWC also passed a vote of confidence in Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed for their roles during the crisis. With both camps now talking and showing willingness to compromise, attention turns to whether the party can convert this opening into a durable peace as the road to 2027 grows shorter.
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