The Nyesom Wike-backed bloc of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the party’s prolonged internal crisis is over and directed the immediate commencement of preparations for primary elections in line with Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines.
The declaration was made on Monday during the 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, where leaders of the faction expressed confidence in the party’s readiness for the next electoral cycle.
Factional National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, emphasised discipline, internal reforms, and strict adherence to party structures as key to repositioning the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the party had moved past its period of uncertainty and was now focused on strategy, consolidation, and electoral preparation, assuring that transparent, credible, and inclusive primaries would be conducted in compliance with electoral laws.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, called for aggressive reconciliation efforts, urging the leadership to constitute a strong committee to engage aggrieved members and win back defectors. He maintained that unity and inclusiveness were critical to strengthening the party and expanding its support base.
Wike also argued that the Mohammed-led National Working Committee’s ability to hold its meeting at the party’s national secretariat affirmed its legitimacy, challenging rival factions to do the same if they claimed authenticity.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees in the faction, Mao Ohuabunwa, urged members to prioritise unity, discipline, and collective interest, stressing the need to bridge divisions and strengthen internal processes. He said the party must remain anchored on its founding principles of justice, equity, and fairness, while embracing reforms such as electronic membership registration to enhance transparency and grassroots participation.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by factional National Publicity Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, the NEC expressed confidence in the leadership of the Mohammed/Anyanwu-led National Working Committee and reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation and internal stability.
However, the rival camp led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) dismissed the meeting, describing it as illegitimate and alleging infiltration by elements aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress. The faction warned members against recognising decisions taken at the gathering.
The PDP has been embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis, with the Turaki-led bloc backed by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, while the opposing faction enjoys the support of Wike. Both sides are currently locked in multiple legal battles over the control and leadership of the party.
Tensions have further escalated following moves by the Turaki faction to petition the Independent National Electoral Commission for the derecognition of the Mohammed/Anyanwu-led leadership, while the latter continues to challenge adverse court rulings, including an appeal filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu over his expulsion.
Despite the lingering disputes, the Wike-backed bloc insisted that the party remains stable and united, expressing optimism about its chances in future elections as it begins preparations for its primaries.
