PDP Faction, Wike Camp Move to Unite After Court Ruling

A recent Court of Appeal ruling has prompted rival factions within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to initiate reconciliation talks. The two main groups—one aligned with state governors and the other with Minister Nyesom Wike—are exploring the creation of a unified Caretaker Committee or the organization of a unity convention to prevent the party from collapsing ahead of the 2027 elections. Anonymous party leaders revealed that both camps are engaged in marathon meetings to finalize the terms of their reconciliation.

The push for unity follows the Appeal Court’s judgment on Monday, which nullified the outcome of a national convention held in Ibadan. That convention, backed by the PDP governors, had elected Taminu Turaki and a new National Working Committee. However, the court affirmed a lower court’s decision that the convention process violated the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

In response to the governors’ convention, a faction loyal to Wike had established its own 13-member Caretaker Committee in December. This led to a protracted leadership crisis, with both factions vying for recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and engaging in legal battles. Tensions escalated in November when attempts by both groups to hold meetings at the party’s national secretariat led to physical confrontations, prompting the police to seal the building.

In the wake of the court’s decision, key party figures are calling for unity. Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu (both from the Wike-backed committee), and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have urged all stakeholders to prioritize the party’s strength over personal ambitions to prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Sources from Wike’s camp indicate that the court ruling has served as a catalyst for the ongoing dialogue. Leaders from both factions are now focused on safeguarding the party’s future and ensuring it can field candidates in the next election cycle, signaling a potential end to the damaging internal conflict.