Governors elected under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, appear to have reached a consensus on making concessions to enhance party unity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
A reliable source informed our reporter that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde represented the PDP governors in a meeting with Wike in Lagos last week.
The discussions reportedly centered on addressing the political turmoil in Rivers State, involving Wike and the suspended Governor Sim Fubara. Additionally, they aimed to tackle issues regarding the South-South zonal leadership, the National Secretary, and other matters to harmonize the interests of both factions.
The PDP has been facing internal turmoil since the 2023 elections, exacerbated by the conflict between Governor Sim Fubara and Wike in Rivers State, along with disputes over South-South zonal leadership and the unfilled National Secretary position since December 2024. Mediation attempts by various party leadership bodies—the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors Forum—have only intensified divisions within the party.
As the crisis continues, many party leaders are becoming disillusioned, leading some to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as they blame the PDP’s persistent internal issues. For instance, on April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other officials from the state joined the APC, significantly damaging the PDP’s reputation and weakening its prospects for the 2027 elections.
A source close to Governor Makinde revealed that he agreed to update his fellow governors after the Lagos meeting, while Wike would share the meeting’s outcomes with his supporters.
The source stated, “Makinde and Wike met in Lagos, with Makinde representing the PDP governors and Wike representing his loyalists. Wike expressed concerns regarding the Governors Forum’s recommendations, indicating they were made without regard for party laws. He characterized some of the governors’ decisions as illegal, emphasizing that their actions have complicated rather than resolved issues.”
Wike shared his dissatisfaction over the Forum’s handling of the National Secretary position, South-South leadership, and ongoing conflicts in Rivers State. He assured his commitment to remain with the PDP but called for the leadership to revisit their decisions to promote peace and unity.
The source noted that Makinde also expressed frustration about the behavior of certain officials worsening the situation. He reassured Wike that the intent was not to cause embarrassment but to reposition the party constructively. They agreed to withdraw pending litigation and seek political solutions.
Additionally, they concurred that the Governors Forum should revisit decisions regarding the zonal congress, the Rivers State crisis, the National Secretary position, and other pertinent issues to accommodate varied interests.
A senior PDP National Working Committee member, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the meeting aimed at resolving outstanding issues to foster party unity.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor expressed optimism that these discussions would help reposition the party, stating, “Our leaders are actively engaged in consultations; more meetings are planned. The PDP will bounce back and regain its rightful place.”
Inrelated discussions, some National Working Committee members attributed the ongoing crisis to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions, claiming he has not contributed positively to the party. They called on him to publicly renounce intentions to run in the 2027 elections, arguing that his aspirations are exacerbating internal conflicts.
Odeyemi reiterated that Atiku could restore harmony within the PDP, stating that his ambition had led to demoralization among party members, especially governors. He suggested that Atiku publicly affirm his commitment to the PDP and prioritize the party’s stability over personal aspirations.
Responding to these accusations, Atiku dismissed claims that his ambitions were the root cause of the PDP crisis, asserting that those blaming him were doing so out of selfishness. He emphasized his commitment to democracy and the party’s realignment, insisting he had not obstructed anyone’s electoral aspirations.
