With days to its pivotal March 29–30, 2026 national convention, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is witnessing renewed efforts at reconciliation, even as one faction insists the party remains united despite lingering tensions.
The bloc aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports of a split within the party, maintaining that disagreements among stakeholders do not amount to factionalisation.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja after inspecting infrastructure projects, Wike said the PDP remains one indivisible entity.
“We have only one PDP. I don’t know which faction you are referring to. Some persons may be aggrieved, yes, but that does not translate to division,” he stated.
His remarks come amid intensified reconciliation moves by another powerful bloc within the party, believed to be backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other influential leaders.
The Makinde-aligned camp, working through a high-level committee led by former Minister Tanimu Turaki (SAN), confirmed that fresh peace talks commenced earlier this week in Abuja, following months of internal disputes and legal battles.
Turaki, who addressed reporters on Wednesday, said the initiative was in response to a recent advisory by the Court of Appeal urging aggrieved parties to pursue amicable settlement in the interest of the party’s survival and democratic stability.
According to him, the PDP’s Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Senator Adolphus Wabara, set up a reconciliation committee to engage estranged members and chart a path toward unity.
“In obedience to the court’s advisory, we have opened discussions aimed at resolving all outstanding issues and repositioning the party for the forthcoming elections,” Turaki said.
He disclosed that as part of confidence-building measures, the National Working Committee postponed scheduled meetings of key party organs and toned down confrontational rhetoric.
However, he expressed concern that some actors have continued to escalate tensions through “derogatory statements,” warning that such actions could undermine ongoing peace efforts.
Despite this, Turaki struck an optimistic tone, revealing that both sides have now “broken the ice” and are exploring options for a comprehensive settlement.
“We are willing to make sacrifices. We are ready to bend as far as necessary in the overall interest of the party. What is important is that PDP survives and remains competitive,” he said.
He further assured party faithful that the PDP would field candidates for all elective offices, noting that compliance with constitutional and electoral requirements remains a priority.
Turaki also indicated that all pending litigations across various courts would be withdrawn once a consensus is reached.
“As lawyers, we understand that prolonged litigation often deepens divisions. Once we reach agreement, all cases will be withdrawn to give peace a chance,” he added.
The ongoing crisis within the PDP has been marked by competing interests, leadership disputes, and a series of court cases, raising concerns about the party’s readiness for future elections.
Political observers say the outcome of the current reconciliation efforts could determine the PDP’s strength as Nigeria’s leading opposition party, especially as the 2027 electoral cycle gradually comes into focus.
While Wike’s camp continues to downplay the extent of the crisis, the push for dialogue by the Makinde-aligned faction signals a recognition that unresolved differences could have far-reaching consequences.
As the national convention draws closer, attention remains fixed on whether the renewed peace talks will produce a unified front—or merely a temporary truce in a deeply divided party.
