Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has taken initial steps to defuse a prolonged internal standoff as it prepares for the 2027 general elections, with factions aligned to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike beginning reconciliation talks aimed at preserving the party’s cohesion.
In Abuja this week, the party’s National Working Committee, backed by Makinde’s camp, said it initiated dialogue following interventions by senior party figures, signalling a willingness to bridge persistent divisions that have threatened the PDP’s viability.
Several party stalwarts have emphasised the urgency of unity, with veteran PDP leader Sule Lamido underscoring that the party’s survival in the 2027 contest depends on mending relations between the rival blocs.
However, tensions remain palpable. Key governors loyal to Makinde have recently rejected consensus leadership nominees put forward by the Wike‑aligned faction ahead of the party’s national convention, opting instead to pursue legal options to resolve disputes, underscoring lingering mistrust and competing influence within the party ranks.
Despite these fractures, the overt move to open channels of communication marks a notable effort by PDP stakeholders to avert further fragmentation and reposition the party as a credible challenger to the ruling party in the upcoming elections.
