ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a severe internal PDP crisis. A conflict between groups loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde and former Governor Nyesom Wike now threatens a key party meeting. Wike announced Sunday he is withdrawing from reconciliation efforts. He blames Governor Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for the party’s troubles. The party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, set for May 27, is in jeopardy.
Wike Declares “Fight On,” Cites Betrayal
Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated he is pulling out of all prior agreements. He cited repeated violations of these deals. In a strongly worded statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” Wike accused Governor Makinde of being the “chief culprit.” He declared the PDP suffers from “dishonesty and lack of trust amongst its key stakeholders.” Wike vowed, “I have decided to fight on until justice is attained.” He recounted a Lagos G5 meeting where he directly confronted Makinde over alleged betrayal. Wike also mentioned a subsequent meeting at Bukola Saraki’s Abuja home, attended by Governors Umaru Fintiri and Bala Mohammed. Key resolutions there included Senator Samuel Anyanwu remaining PDP National Secretary and the withdrawal of all Rivers State legal cases.
Broken Agreements Fuel Deeper Crisis
Wike lamented that these resolutions were quickly broken. “It is disheartening to note that even before the Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee began its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached at Saraki’s Guest House was already being crudely violated,” Wike stated. He accused Makinde and Governor Mbah of orchestrating a South-East leaders’ meeting to oppose Anyanwu. Wike added Makinde influenced National Secretariat staff to have the Deputy National Secretary act as National Secretary, against their agreement. This action, Wike said, caused confusion and affected official party business. He noted an aborted PDP zonal congress in Jos on May 24, 2025, because INEC declined to attend due to an improperly signed invitation. The ongoing PDP crisis has many layers.
Emergency Meetings as NEC Date Looms
The PDP has struggled with internal political turmoil before and after the 2023 elections. The current Wike Makinde feud over issues like the National Secretary position and the Rivers State crisis further destabilizes the party. Recognizing the potential damage, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday in Abuja. The reconciliation panel led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki also met urgently Sunday night. They aim to salvage the PDP NEC meeting 2025. This NEC meeting has faced multiple postponements. It was moved from August 15, to October 24, then November 28, before being set for May 27.
Saraki Vows to Continue Mediation
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki stated Wike’s withdrawal means more reconciliation work is needed. His media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, conveyed Saraki’s commitment. Saraki warned that Nigeria cannot afford for the PDP, a “legacy party,” to go into oblivion, as it could lead to a one-party state.
State Chapters React Strongly to Wike’s Stance
PDP state chapters offered varied and strong reactions. Dare Adeleke, Ekiti PDP Caretaker Chairman, said Wike’s actions suggest a “hidden agenda.” Sunday Solarin, Ogun PDP Secretary, called Wike a disengaged member, free to leave. Mamman Kwaskebe of Gombe PDP said Wike is dancing to APC’s tune. Solomon Agwanana, Bayelsa PDP Chairman, accused Wike of working for the APC and wanting President Tinubu to return in 2027. Dayyabu Ciroma, Bauchi PDP Publicity Secretary, declared Wike’s days in the PDP are numbered. Chief Osita Madu of Anambra PDP alleged Wike wants a weak PDP to justify his APC ties.
By Abiodun Labi
