A United Kingdom-based human rights lawyer and Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Niyi Aborisade, has made a passionate appeal for peace among warring factions of the opposition party.
Call for Ceasefire in PDP Leadership Battle
Chief Aborisade specifically addressed Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, urging them to de-escalate tensions and pursue immediate reconciliation. The appeal comes as the party faces one of its most severe internal crises in recent history.
In a statement released yesterday, the PDP chieftain warned that the escalating hostilities following recent expulsions and counter-expulsions within the party pose a grave threat to its survival ahead of the crucial 2027 General Elections.
Expulsions and Counter-Expulsions Rock Party
The current crisis reached new heights during the November 15-16 National Convention, where Wike and his allies faced expulsion from the party. This was quickly followed by a counter-move from the faction led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, who announced the expulsion of Makinde and 16 other prominent PDP leaders.
Among those targeted in the counter-expulsion were Chief Bode George, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and the newly elected national chairman. The situation has created what Aborisade described as "advanced confusion" within the opposition party's ranks.
Threat to Party's Electoral Future
Aborisade expressed grave concerns that the internal conflict has snowballed into "a fire of rebellion burning out of control." He issued a stark warning that the party risks being unable to field candidates in future elections if the damaging rift persists.
The UK-based lawyer emphasized that the only path forward involves all sides sheathing their swords and initiating private dialogue to seek an amicable settlement. He stressed that unity remains the only viable solution to restore stability in Nigeria's main opposition party.
As the crisis deepens, many party members and political observers are watching closely to see if the warring factions will heed this call for peace or allow the party to drift further toward implosion.
