Crisis Deepens in PDP as Atiku, Makinde, and Mohammed Eye 2027 Presidency

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a growing internal crisis as several high-profile figures within the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, appear to be gearing up for the 2027 presidential race. Their ambitions are fueling conflicts within the party, threatening to disrupt ongoing reconciliation efforts led by former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The PDP has been split into rival factions, primarily aligned with Atiku and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, but the situation became more complex recently when Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed interest in a presidential bid. His potential candidacy has heightened concerns about further divisions within the party, already weakened by the loss in the 2023 general elections.

Mohammed’s bid includes a demand for the resignation of PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, with the support of influential party chieftains. However, Mohammed suggested he would step down if former President Goodluck Jonathan agreed to return to the PDP and run in 2027. “Nigerians are not happy with President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” Mohammed stated at an Abuja event, adding that he believed Jonathan’s experience could help revitalize the economy if he returned.

Jonathan’s camp has remained silent on the matter, sparking speculation that he may not be interested in the proposal.

Leadership Struggles and Attempts to Remove PDP Chairman

Despite his earlier opposition to Damagum, Mohammed recently shifted his stance, offering public support for the acting chairman in a bid to calm party tensions. In a meeting with stakeholders, only five of the party’s 13 governors attended, highlighting the factional divides that have plagued the PDP since its electoral defeat. The attending governors included Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Caleb Muftwang (Plateau).

Meanwhile, support has grown for Makinde as a potential candidate for the 2027 election, especially among Wike loyalists who blame Atiku for the 2023 loss. Some PDP members are reportedly frustrated with Atiku’s failure to bridge divisions in the party by addressing the concerns of the so-called “G-5” governors, who had demanded the resignation of former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu as a condition for unity.

“Every election cycle, Atiku gets the presidential ticket and bungles it,” said a party member who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “He failed to reconcile with the aggrieved G-5 governors and cost us the 2023 election. Now, one of those same men is standing against him.”

Makinde, who is widely seen as a unifying figure, addressed speculation about his potential run, saying he has not made any decision. “I am old enough to speak for myself,” he told reporters during a recent visit to Fashola Farm in Oyo town, emphasizing that he would announce his political intentions if and when he decided.

Deputy Youth Leader Blames Atiku for PDP Crisis

In an exclusive interview, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor placed the blame squarely on Atiku for the party’s current challenges. “People may perceive Nyesom Wike as the problem, but the biggest problem of the PDP today is Atiku Abubakar,” Osadolor asserted. He added that as an experienced politician, Atiku should take on a leadership role within the party rather than fuel divisions.

“Atiku needs to realize that one tree does not make a forest,” Osadolor continued. “Politics is a game of numbers and a marriage of interests. Simply activating a campaign machine every four years is not enough.”

He also suggested that a candidate like Makinde could rally support for the PDP or, if willing, Jonathan could be a strong contender. “It’s not about North or South but finding a unifying character that can bring victory for the party,” he explained.

Wike’s Role in the Crisis

However, not everyone agrees on who is responsible for the party’s issues. Dele Momodu, head of strategic communications for the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organization in the 2023 elections, argued that Wike is the true disruptor. “The crisis has nothing to do with Atiku Abubakar. It’s about Nyesom Wike sulking over his loss at the 2022 PDP Presidential Primary,” Momodu said in a phone interview.

APC Criticizes Makinde’s Ambitions

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Makinde’s rumored presidential aspirations. In a statement, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka accused Makinde of neglecting his duties as Oyo State governor, calling his pursuit of the presidency “a disservice to the people of Oyo State.”

“Makinde’s ambition cannot be built on unjustified attacks against our party,” Morka said, adding that Makinde should focus on addressing local issues rather than his national ambitions.

The APC spokesperson further argued that Makinde’s statements about the 2027 election being a contest between the APC and Nigerians were reckless. “Makinde’s lackluster performance as governor undermines his credibility. Instead of addressing local issues, he is pursuing an unhinged 2027 ambition,” Morka said.

What’s Next for the PDP?

As PDP members prepare for the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting, many are hopeful the party can still recover from its internal strife. Party leaders see this as a critical opportunity to reposition the PDP for future elections and unify its members under a common purpose.

With competing ambitions and lingering resentment, the PDP faces an uphill battle in rebuilding trust and solidarity among its members. Whether the Oyinlola-led reconciliation efforts can bring lasting peace to the party remains to be seen.