PDP crisis deepens as Wike camp pushes primaries

The Peoples Democratic Party is facing renewed internal turmoil after the camp backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, unveiled plans to commence party primaries, even as a rival faction rejected the move.

Leaders of the Wike-backed bloc made the announcement on Monday during the party’s 108th National Executive Committee meeting held at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

The faction’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, declared that the party had moved past its internal crisis and was now focused on electoral preparations.

“Today, we gather not as a party in distress, but as a strong political institution firmly focused on the future,” Mr Mohammed said.

“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consolidation, and electoral preparation has begun today. In this regard, we are on the roadmap for our nationwide party primaries.”

Primaries directive

Mr Mohammed emphasised the need for discipline and adherence to party structures, noting that preparations for primaries would align with guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“Let me essentially say that the PDP is set to conduct transparent, credible, and inclusive party primaries at all levels, in strict compliance with extant laws and democratic best practices,” he said.

“We are determined to produce candidates who reflect the will of our members and the aspirations of the Nigerian people.”

He urged members to prioritise unity and collective interest ahead of the 2027 elections.

“As we approach the 2027 election, the PDP remains committed to upholding the principles of internal democracy, rule of law, equity, and national dignity,” Mr Mohammed added.

Call for reconciliation

In his remarks, Mr Wike called for aggressive reconciliation efforts to win back defectors and strengthen the party’s base.

“Chairman and your team, make sure you put up a strong committee that will still go ahead and talk to those who have defected… I believe they will have a rethink and continue to support this party,” he said.

Mr Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP.

“Since 1998 till now, I have been a member of the PDP, and I will not leave the party,” he stated.

He also urged transparency and openness within the leadership.

“Let us be open and transparent… so that we will get whatever we want to get,” he added.

BoT backs unity

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, also called for unity and discipline among members.

“The task before us is clear: to consolidate, to strengthen, and to prepare,” he said, urging stakeholders to set aside personal interests and focus on rebuilding the party.

Factional rejection

However, the rival camp led by Mr Tanimu Turaki dismissed the NEC meeting as illegitimate, describing it as an infiltration by the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The faction’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, criticised the gathering.

“The meeting… was a branch of Tinubu supporters within the PDP… No Nigerian should take them or anything from them seriously,” he said.

He insisted that ongoing court cases would determine the party’s leadership disputes.

Legal battles intensify

The crisis has been further complicated by legal actions from both camps.

A report indicated that the Wike-backed National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, filed a Notice of Appeal challenging a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment that upheld his expulsion.

Meanwhile, the Turaki-led faction has petitioned INEC to derecognise the Mohammed/Anyanwu leadership, escalating the battle for control of the party.

Communiqué position

In a communiqué signed by the factional National Publicity Secretary, Haruna Mohammed Jungudo, the NEC expressed confidence in the leadership of Mr Mohammed and Senator Anyanwu.

“The Party declared that it is not in distress, stating that the era of uncertainty is over,” the communiqué read.

It also endorsed ongoing reforms, including electronic membership registration aimed at improving transparency and grassroots participation.

The latest developments underscore deepening divisions within the PDP, with competing factions pursuing parallel strategies and legal actions, raising concerns about the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.