On Monday in Abuja, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to Nyesom Wike rejected the decisions taken by another bloc aligned with Seyi Makinde, including the creation of an interim National Working Committee and a timetable for party primaries. The disagreement followed a meeting held by the Makinde-backed group, where a caretaker committee led by Tanimu Turaki was approved to oversee party affairs.
The Makinde camp moved ahead with its plans during what it described as a valid National Executive Committee meeting, where members agreed on a fresh structure to manage the party and conduct primaries ahead of the 2027 elections. The group also released a full schedule for its internal processes, including dates for the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, primaries, and final approval of candidates.
However, the Wike-aligned faction dismissed the meeting and all decisions taken there, insisting that the gathering had no legal backing. The group maintained that the party already has a recognised leadership and denied any leadership gap. It also argued that those behind the caretaker arrangement lacked the authority to take such steps and failed to follow electoral laws.
The crisis deepened after a recent Supreme Court ruling that voided an earlier convention organised by the Makinde group, which had produced the current caretaker leadership. Following that judgment, the Makinde bloc, supported by some party leaders, moved to stabilise the party by setting up a temporary structure and continuing preparations for primaries.
Despite the court decision, the Makinde faction insisted it acted within the party’s constitution, claiming that enough members were present at the meeting to make binding decisions. The group said it would continue pushing its plans and would notify the electoral body accordingly.
On the other hand, the Wike camp warned party members and the public to ignore any outcomes from the meeting, describing them as invalid. It also questioned the role of some party figures involved in the process and insisted that only the recognised leadership has the power to organise party activities.
Amid the dispute, both sides have continued separate preparations for the 2027 elections, including setting different timelines and fees for nomination forms.
The situation has further divided the party, with each faction holding firm to its position as political activities begin to gather pace ahead of the next general elections.