Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reached a peace deal with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a move to unite the party before the 2027 presidential election.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, met with Wike last week in Lagos on behalf of the PDP governors. A source who spoke to Sunday PUNCH said the two leaders discussed the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, the party’s South-South zonal leadership, and the unresolved position of the National Secretary.
The source said, “Makinde and Wike met in Lagos, where Makinde represented the PDP governors and Wike came on behalf of his loyalists. Wike expressed displeasure over some decisions by the PDP Governors Forum, saying they were made without following party rules.”
According to the source, Wike agreed to remain in the PDP but asked the party leaders to review certain decisions so as to promote peace and unity. He also urged the governors and party officials to resolve issues politically and stop the ongoing court cases.
Governor Makinde, in response, assured Wike that the governors were not working against him. He said the attitude of some party officials had made the situation worse.
“Makinde promised to update the governors and assured Wike of his support. They agreed to revisit some decisions to accommodate all interests,” the source added.
A senior member of the PDP’s National Working Committee confirmed the meeting.
The official said, “Yes, Wike and Makinde met to resolve some issues, and their resolutions will go a long way in unifying and repositioning the PDP.”
The party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said the PDP was making efforts to bounce back.
Osadolor said, “Our leaders are not sleeping. Many meetings have been held, and more will take place. The PDP will reclaim its rightful place.”
He also took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying, “The APC is like an overloaded ship. It’s only a matter of time before it sinks.”
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Meanwhile, some party leaders blamed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 ambition for the PDP’s crisis. A member of the National Working Committee said Atiku’s interest in the next election was dividing the party.
“Atiku’s 2027 ambition is part of what is aggravating the crisis in PDP,” he said.
Former PDP deputy publicity secretary, Diran Odeyemi, urged Atiku to put the party first.
Odeyemi said, “He holds the key to restoring unity. That key lies in setting aside his presidential ambition. Sometimes, the greater good must come first.”
But Atiku, through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, denied the claims, calling them “ridiculous.”
Ibe said, “Atiku is not the problem. He has not stopped anyone from contesting. People are just looking for someone to blame.”
He added that Atiku was quietly working behind the scenes to help rebuild the party. “Most of the work he’s doing doesn’t make it into the newspapers,” Ibe said.
The PDP has been facing internal crises since the 2023 elections, with major party figures defecting to the APC. Observers believe that resolving these issues is critical to the party’s success in the 2027 polls.