The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing renewed internal friction as the camp aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced that preparations for party primaries ahead of the next election cycle are now in motion. The declaration followed a National Executive Committee meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, leaders of the Wike-backed bloc said the party had moved past its internal crisis and was now focused on rebuilding structures and complying with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines. They insisted that the PDP would conduct transparent and inclusive primaries across all levels.
The group’s national chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, said the party would prioritise discipline, reconciliation, and strict adherence to its constitutional processes. He added that efforts were underway to rebuild trust among members and strengthen internal democracy.
Wike, in his remarks, urged the party to establish a reconciliation committee to reach out to members who had defected or become disengaged. He stressed that unity and inclusiveness were critical to the PDP’s electoral strength going forward.
He also maintained that the legitimacy of the current leadership was reflected in its use of the national secretariat, arguing that any rival faction should demonstrate equal standing through similar institutional access.
The Board of Trustees chairman of the faction, Mao Ohuabunwa, called for cohesion within the party, warning that exclusionary politics could weaken its chances in future elections. He urged members to prioritise collective progress over personal ambition.
However, the opposing faction led by Tanimu Turaki dismissed the NEC meeting, describing it as illegitimate and accusing the Wike-aligned group of acting as proxies for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It also insisted that several legal disputes over party leadership remain unresolved in court.
The PDP remains deeply divided, with rival camps continuing to clash over control of structures, legitimacy of leadership, and the direction of the party ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
