Nigeria: PDP steps back from brink: Makinde, Wike camps reconcile ahead of 2027 elections

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a significant step towards healing its internal wounds, with camps loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike opening peace talks to steady the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Months of tension had raised fears about the party’s unity and readiness for the next election cycle, but under mounting pressure, both sides appear to be recalibrating, choosing dialogue over a damaging standoff.

Factional PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki announced that the party’s National Working Committee had taken steps to ease tensions and reopen communication, following intervention by the Board of Trustees led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

“We are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow… PDP will not die,” Turaki said, hinting at internal resistance to the peace process but insisting that compromise is unavoidable.

Wike downplayed factionalism claims, saying individual disagreements are natural in politics and don’t equate to a split in the party’s structure.

The PDP signals it’s ready to abandon legal battles if a political deal is reached, with Turaki saying, “As soon as we reach agreeable terms, we will willingly withdraw all cases… to give peace a chance.