Peoples Democratic Party after its 20th elective national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, one week ago. The PDP is now facing serious division as two rival factions battle for control of the party while the Independent National Electoral Commission has refused to recognise the outcome of the convention.
A group loyal to former party chairman Umar Damagun organised the convention in Ibadan despite strong opposition from a faction linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. During the convention, delegates approved the removal of Wike and ten other top members over alleged actions against the party. Those affected include former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade and Deputy Legal Adviser Austin Nwachukwu.
At the same event, Kabiru Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties, was elected as the new national chairman. Other members of the National Working Committee were also chosen to form a new leadership structure.
Shortly after, the faction loyal to Wike, led by acting chairman Muhammed Abdulrahman, responded by announcing the suspension and expulsion of governors including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, accusing them of disobeying court orders and working against party interests. The dispute later turned physical when both camps clashed at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja over control of the headquarters. Police sealed the building and restricted access to prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, INEC has not recognised the new leadership. A check on the commission’s website still shows Umar Damagun as chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as secretary. Party insiders believe this may be linked to INEC’s absence from the Ibadan convention, which the Wike faction claims invalidated the process. INEC officials have declined to give clear reasons for the delay.
The Turaki camp insists it followed due process before and after the convention by submitting the list of new leaders to INEC. The opposing camp, through Anyanwu, says the official party leadership remains unchanged and that the rival group has no legal standing.
Legal battles have added more confusion. Former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido obtained a court order stopping the convention after he was denied the chance to contest for chairman. A Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the party from proceeding, while a court in Oyo State allowed the convention to go ahead. The Damagun group claimed it was not aware of the Abuja court order before holding the convention.
Senior party members have warned that the situation could weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections. They fear the party may struggle to submit candidates if rival leaders continue to lay claim to key offices required to sign nomination documents. Some party elders have called for withdrawal of court cases and the creation of a caretaker committee to restore unity.
Other leaders blamed internal divisions and accused some governors and top members of deepening the crisis. Many within the party fear that if the dispute continues, the PDP may not be able to present a presidential candidate in 2027.
Despite the tension, the Turaki group maintains that it is the only lawful leadership recognised by the party constitution and insists that INEC will eventually deal only with its list of candidates. Efforts by party elders to reconcile both sides are ongoing as the standoff continues to threaten the party’s chances in the next general elections.