A factional dispute within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) escalated as a group of party governors rejected actions by the Nyesom Wike‑aligned faction, including the dissolution of zonal committees and authority to convene a national convention on behalf of the party.
The PDP has been embroiled in internal leadership disputes, including rival factions claiming authority over the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) following a Federal High Court ruling that affected the status of certain party officials.
These disputes have prompted competing claims over organisational authority and convention planning as party actors prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The faction backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, acting through a caretaker committee, rescheduled the party’s national convention and announced the dissolution of zonal committees in the Southwest, North‑West and Plateau regions.
The caretaker committee said its actions were aimed at preparing for an inclusive national convention.
In response, a group of PDP governors including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed said the Wike‑aligned faction lacked the authority to dissolve zonal committees or organise a national convention.
They said the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has legitimacy and remains responsible for party structures.
The Turaki‑led NWC’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, described the actions of the Wike‑aligned faction as lacking capacity and locus, saying it did not have the power to dissolve party committees or convene a convention.
The Turaki faction has indicated it will pursue legal options, including an appeal.
The ongoing dispute follows a court ruling that annulled the PDP National Convention held in November 2025, which had elected Turaki and his team.
Both factions have pursued recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but the commission declined to recognise either group, fuelling further legal and organisational contestation.
The Turaki‑led faction’s spokesperson said the Wike‑aligned group “lacked the capacity and the locus to do so … It is just a movie called Fool’s Paradise,” in reference to the dissolution of zonal committees and convention planning.
The dispute illustrates deep internal divisions in the PDP at a time when consolidation and unity are critical ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Analysts say unresolved leadership conflicts, legal challenges and competing claims of authority could affect party mobilisation, organisational coherence and electoral preparedness.
