Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appear to be making headway in resolving lingering internal disputes, as part of broader efforts to unite the party ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
A high-level meeting held in Lagos last week between Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who represented the PDP Governors Forum, has been described by insiders as a significant step toward reconciliation.
According to sources close to the matter, the dialogue addressed the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State involving Wike and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as well as contentious issues surrounding the South-South zonal leadership and the vacant National Secretary position.
Mounting Internal Struggles
Since its loss in the 2023 general elections, the PDP has faced escalating internal divisions. These worsened with the Wike-Fubara rift, which has polarized the party’s South-South bloc. In addition, leadership disputes and legal tussles over key positions have further strained relations between top party stakeholders.
Efforts by the party’s national leadership, including the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BoT), National Executive Committee (NEC), and the Governors Forum, have so far yielded little resolution and, in some cases, exacerbated the infighting.
These ongoing tensions have already led to defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including high-profile figures such as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, delivering a blow to the PDP’s electoral strength and public image.
Key Resolutions From Lagos Meeting
The source revealed that Wike used the Lagos meeting to express dissatisfaction with the Governors Forum’s recent decisions, which he argued violated party laws and lacked inclusivity.
“Wike expressed his concern that the Forum’s decisions on key issues were taken without proper legal backing or wide consultation. He feels these have only complicated the PDP’s internal crisis,” the source said.
Despite his grievances, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to remaining in the PDP, but demanded that the party reassess certain decisions to accommodate all stakeholders and restore internal harmony.
In response, Governor Makinde acknowledged that some party officials had behaved in ways that undermined the authority and unity of the PDP governors. He emphasized that the intent of the Forum was not to alienate anyone, but to salvage and reposition the party.
The two leaders reportedly agreed that:
- Concerned party members would withdraw ongoing litigations and pursue political solutions;
- The PDP Governors Forum would revisit decisions around the South-South Zonal Congress, the Rivers State crisis, and the National Secretary appointment;
- Inclusive consultation would guide future resolutions to ensure all factions feel represented.
Makinde is expected to brief other PDP governors before the Forum’s next meeting, while Wike will consult with his supporters and allies to gain their buy-in.
Optimism Amid Uncertainty
A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee confirmed that the meeting between Makinde and Wike was “a step in the right direction” and could help unify the party as it prepares for 2027.
Meanwhile, Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed optimism, saying, “This and previous reconciliatory meetings show that the PDP still has what it takes to reposition and emerge stronger.”
Efforts to reach the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
