March 29, (THEWILL) — Following spirited efforts by stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to save the once only major and governing party in Nigeria from ignominy, the warring factions last week agreed to sink their prolonged supremacy battle and embrace dialogue. But it is still a long way to reconciliation as the group led by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State filed a suit at the Supreme Cour to stop the group led by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike from going ahead with the convention slated for today, Sunday.
However, it was a significant breakthrough in many failed attempts to resolve its internal rift, as rival factions reopened peace talks in a renewed push to stabilise the party and position it strongly ahead of the 2027 general election.
Beginning on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, the reconciliation meetings will proceed in stages as issues involving titles, legitimacy of executive committees conducted at state levels by unauthorised persons are sorted out, according to Ime Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki led-group. He expressed hope that since leaders of both factions were meeting without any mediator, both factions will be able to tell each other the truth and avert the planned month-end convention by the Wike group.
The development marks a turning point after months of heightened tensions that saw camps loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike locked in disputes spanning courtrooms, public exchanges and behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring, raising concerns over the party’s cohesion.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, factional PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had initiated deliberate steps to ease tensions and rebuild trust among aggrieved stakeholders. He explained that the intervention of the Board of Trustees, led by Adolphus Wabara, was instrumental in resuming dialogue, following guidance from the Court of Appeal in Ibadan.
“In obedience to the advice of the Court of Appeal, the Board of Trustees constituted a high-powered committee to interface with our estranged party members,” Turaki said.
As part of confidence-building measures, the NWC postponed key meetings of the National Executive Committee and National Caucus, while also toning down its public rhetoric to create room for constructive engagement. Although the party initially noted a lack of reciprocal gestures, it said that recent developments indicate a positive shift.
“I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, the leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution,” he stated. Turaki called on party supporters across the country to remain calm and avoid inflammatory remarks that could undermine the fragile peace process. While legal disputes among stakeholders remain active in various courts, including the Court of Appeal, the PDP leadership signalled its willingness to withdraw all cases once a political settlement is achieved.
“As soon as we reach agreeable terms, we will willingly withdraw all cases, whether at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court or elsewhere, to give peace a chance,” he added. Justice Biobele Georgewill of the Appeal Court in Ibadan had advised the factional leaders of the party to amicably resolve their dispute which she described as an, “internal affair” and a “family matter that has gone sour” before coming back for adjudication of their disputes.
The party also moved to reassure aspirants and members unsettled by the crisis, affirming its readiness to participate fully in the electoral process.
“To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that our party will field candidates for all elective offices,” Turaki said.
Emphasising the need for compromise, he stressed that the PDP remains committed to preserving its unity despite internal disagreements.
“We are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow… PDP will not die,” he declared.
Turaki further revealed that individuals allegedly working against reconciliation within the party had been identified and dealt with, reinforcing confidence in the ongoing peace efforts.
Beyond addressing its internal challenges, the PDP reiterated its role as a key opposition platform committed to democratic accountability and good governance in Nigeria.
“As Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy,” he said, noting that governance must ultimately reflect the will of the people.
“Ultimate power resides with the people; it must therefore remain the centrepiece of governance,” he added.
In a show of internal alignment, the Turaki-led NWC passed a vote of confidence on Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed for their roles in steadying the party during the crisis. Governor Mohammed is confirmed to have opened talks with Wike for reconciliation.
The party also expressed appreciation to Nigerians who continue to register through its online platform, noting that grassroots support remains resilient despite recent challenges. Meanwhile, the FCT Minister has maintained that while individual disagreements are natural in politics, they do not equate to a split in the party’s structure.
“I don’t know which camp you are talking about now. There is only one PDP. So, it would be wrong for me to say the other camp. I don’t know whether any other camp exists,” Wike said, adding that while some members have reached out to bridge gaps, these steps are personal reconciliations rather than formal factional negotiations.
He said, naturally, there are some individuals that may not be happy. “If you say so, okay yes, some individuals may not be happy and have called to say ‘let bygones be bygones,’ but not a faction. There is only one PDP now,” he further said. Addressing the timing of the party’s internal activities, Wike noted that the upcoming convention scheduled for Sunday (today) will proceed as planned, regardless of ongoing talks, citing the strict timelines set by the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC for the start of party primaries.
He said, “That there is a convention does not mean that there will be no reconciliation. Everything has its own time.” Even so, the yawning gap between the demands of both groups, which may stand in the way of amicable resolution, Wike’s faction insistence that the party should not field a presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general election or in other words endorse the candidacy of President Bola Tinubu of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC. But the question left unsaid by the Minister is whose membership register is his faction going to use in conducting the convention?
Addressing this political demand, Ememibong stated that it is improper, immoral and unjust for an opposition party of the status of the PDP to do so. “We hope reason will prevail over emotions on this matter, ” he said, adding that immediately all agreeable terms are reached, the cases in court will be withdrawn to pave the way for an end to the crisis.
A former National Vice Chairman and currently member of the Board of Trustee, BoT, Chief Bode George is unamused by what he described as the antics of the Wike-led group. “Who are these little fellows who are trying to cause trouble that we will have only one political party in Nigeria to run an election? It is worse than an infidel in infidelity. That we will not accept. Those of our people who are planning to run, we will make sure they have a platform to run on. What is it that they want? As we are talking with them, they are doing congresses. Congresses for who and for what? They don’t want to listen to the discussion that is going on,” he said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
