The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Tuesday as party governors rejected the selection of consensus candidates for key leadership positions by a faction loyal to Nyesom Wike.
The governors’ camp insisted that the process leading to the emergence of Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman was flawed, vowing to challenge it through legal means.
Sources aligned with the governors-backed National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki revealed that they are prepared to explore all legal options to resolve the dispute in their favour.
Meanwhile, members of the Wike-backed faction maintained that consensus had been reached across various regions ahead of the party’s upcoming national convention. The party has remained divided for months, with rival factions establishing separate leadership structures.
Tensions escalated after the governors’ bloc, supported by Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, previously conducted a convention in Ibadan, producing its own set of party executives.
However, a court ruling later nullified that convention, further complicating the leadership crisis. Although there were earlier efforts to reconcile both sides, recent disagreements—particularly over the planned convention—have stalled progress.
Insiders disclosed that talks broke down after the Wike-aligned group insisted that all members must participate in the convention process, a condition rejected by the governors’ camp.
Amid the growing tension, party stakeholders have warned that holding parallel conventions or deepening divisions could weaken the PDP ahead of future elections.
Some leaders have called for unity and dialogue, urging members to resolve their differences and rebuild the party’s structure. They emphasized that reconciliation remains crucial for the PDP’s stability and electoral strength, especially as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
