The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, with fresh defections and an escalating legal battle over the party’s leadership structure.
Despite the conclusion of its recent national convention, disputes over legitimacy persist, with factions aligned to Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde locked in a fierce struggle for control.
The Makinde-backed faction, supported by Bala Mohammed, has approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria to challenge the outcome of the convention organised by Wike’s camp.
The dispute, now beyond internal party disagreements, has evolved into a constitutional matter, raising critical questions about judicial intervention in political party affairs.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in favour of the Wike-aligned faction, granting it access to the party’s national secretariat and restraining the rival group led by Kabiru Turaki. The court also declared the earlier convention held by the Turaki faction in Ibadan as unconstitutional and void, citing violations of existing court orders.
Following the convention, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) updated its records to recognise a new National Working Committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary—strengthening Wike’s position in the leadership tussle.
However, party chieftain Olabode George criticised INEC’s decision, describing it as misleading and warning that it could undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, also weighed in, warning that Governor Makinde risks expulsion from the party, accusing him of pursuing conflicting strategies by engaging in both negotiation and litigation.
Amid the crisis, defections continue to weaken the party. Former Kaduna PDP governorship candidate Isa Ashiru has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while former Minister of State for the FCT, Jumoke Akinjide, has also resigned from the party after over two decades of membership.
Despite the growing division, PDP presidential aspirant Gbenga Hashim expressed optimism that reconciliation remains possible. He urged party leaders to prioritise unity and dialogue, warning that continued fragmentation could weaken the PDP’s role as a major opposition force.
He noted that ongoing cases before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court provide legitimate avenues for resolving the dispute, adding that a political compromise could still restore stability within the party.
