Makinde, Wike Camps In Talks as PDP Seeks Unity Deal
The Peoples Democratic Party has stepped back from the edge of a damaging internal rupture, with camps loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike opening peace talks aimed at steadying the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For months, the crisis had played out in courtrooms, public exchanges and quiet power plays, raising serious concerns about the party’s cohesion and its capacity to mount a credible opposition challenge.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, factional PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, confirmed that both sides had moved from confrontation to conversation.
“I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution,” Turaki said.
The thaw followed the intervention of the Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, which constituted what Turaki described as “a high-powered committee to interface with our estranged party members,” acting in line with an advisory from the Court of Appeal in Ibadan.
As an early show of good faith, the National Working Committee, aligned with the Makinde camp, postponed scheduled meetings of the National Executive Committee and National Caucus and softened its public messaging. However, the party said it did not receive a similar response in return, pointing to what it called the “weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric” and “derogatory statements.”
Despite that, Turaki indicated the momentum had shifted. He appealed directly to party supporters nationwide to lower tensions, warning that careless words could unravel fragile progress.
On the legal front, multiple cases remain active across several courts, including the Court of Appeal. Yet Turaki signalled that the party was ready to abandon litigation entirely if a political agreement is reached.
“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 said.
Turaki also moved to reassure aspirants watching the crisis with growing anxiety.
“To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that our party will field candidates for all elective offices,” he said.
He acknowledged that compromise would be unavoidable, adding: “We are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow… PDP will not die.”
Turaki also hinted at internal resistance to the peace process, suggesting certain individuals had been working against reconciliation from within, but said those issues were being addressed. “From last night, these two elements have been identified and flushed out,” he said.
The NWC passed a vote of confidence on both Governor Makinde and Governor Bala Mohammed, praising their conduct during the crisis period.
Restating the party’s broader role, Turaki said: “As Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy,” adding that “ultimate power resides with the people.”
With dialogue now underway, the central question remains whether this fragile opening holds as the road to 2027 narrows.