Turaki: PDP reconciliation talks underway with Wike faction

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says reconciliation efforts are ongoing with the faction aligned to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the party moves to resolve its internal crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP chairman, Kabiru Turaki, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, stating that both camps have begun discussions to settle their differences.

Turaki said the reconciliation process followed an advisory by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, Oyo State, which urged all parties involved in the dispute to explore peaceful resolution mechanisms.

According to him, the party’s Board of Trustees, led by Adolphus Wabara, has already constituted a committee to engage aggrieved members and address the lingering issues within the party.

He explained that the National Working Committee had earlier postponed the National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings as a gesture of goodwill aimed at reducing tensions within the party.

However, he expressed concern that the gesture was not immediately reciprocated, alleging that the opposing faction continued to make derogatory statements that fueled the crisis.

Despite the tensions, Turaki said both sides have now made progress in resolving their differences.

He said, “I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution.”

Turaki urged party members and supporters to avoid inflammatory statements that could undermine the reconciliation process, stressing that unity within the party remains the priority.

He also assured party aspirants that the PDP would field candidates for all elective offices in line with the party’s constitution and the timelines stipulated in the Electoral Act.

The PDP chairman further described the party as a legacy party committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible opposition, while commending Nigerians who have continued to register on the party’s e-platform.

He also announced that the National Working Committee passed a vote of confidence on Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for their leadership roles during the party’s internal crisis.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had earlier nullified the PDP national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025, upholding an earlier Federal High Court judgment that restrained the party from conducting the convention organised by the Makinde and Mohammed-backed faction.