Support for Tinubu ignites fresh rumbles in PDP as internal divisions deepen within the Peoples Democratic Party over whether to back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The disagreement, involving key party factions, is emerging as a major issue ahead of the party’s national convention and ongoing reconciliation efforts.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently managing a prolonged internal crisis marked by leadership disputes and factional alignments.
The crisis has intensified as stakeholders prepare for the March 29 national convention in Abuja, organised by a National Caretaker Committee aligned with the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The disagreement over the party’s stance toward President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid has added a new dimension to the crisis.
The issue has split the party into two major blocs with contrasting positions on political strategy and opposition identity.
Support for Tinubu ignites fresh rumbles in PDP as the faction led by former minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, with backing from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, rejected any move to support President Tinubu’s re-election.
Speaking on the issue, factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said:
“It is improper, unjust, and fundamentally unfair for an opposition party like the PDP to endorse the presidential candidate of another party. Absolutely no. It will never be so.”
Ememobong explained that reconciliation efforts within the party are ongoing and could lead to the withdrawal of pending court cases if agreements are reached.
“Yes, once agreeable terms are reached, all court cases, including those at the Supreme Court, will be withdrawn and converted into a consent judgement,” he said.
He also confirmed that key stakeholders, including Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, are supporting moves to reduce tensions and sustain the party.
At the same time, the opposing camp associated with Nyesom Wike has shown support for President Tinubu, highlighting a major policy and strategic divide within the PDP.
A senior figure within the Wike-aligned camp stated that the party would still field its own presidential candidate and proceed with internal electoral processes after the national convention.
“There will be another convention… to pick a presidential candidate… we will carry out a proper process to elect our flagbearer,” the source said.
Despite the growing tensions, party elders and stakeholders have reiterated commitment to reconciliation.
Chief Olabode George and former Senate President Bukola Saraki stated that efforts to unify the party are ongoing and that the PDP remains focused on participating fully in the 2027 elections.
Leaders and stakeholders in Kwara State also confirmed their intention to participate in the upcoming national convention, signalling continued engagement across party structures.
Ememobong warned against weakening the opposition, stating that a one-party dominant system would not support democratic balance in Nigeria.
“In a pluralistic society like Nigeria… a situation where other parties become appendages of the ruling party is not healthy for democracy,” he said.
He added that any reconciliation must align with the party’s constitution, which mandates the PDP to field candidates for all elective offices.
Support for Tinubu ignites fresh rumbles in PDP at a critical period when the party is attempting to stabilise its leadership and prepare for future elections.
The division over whether to support a candidate from another party highlights broader concerns about the PDP’s identity as an opposition platform.
The disagreement also reflects deeper structural and ideological differences within the party, which may influence its ability to present a unified front in the 2027 elections.
Ongoing reconciliation talks, direct engagement between factions, and the outcome of the national convention are expected to shape the party’s direction in the coming months.
