PDP Crisis Intensifies as Makinde's Faction Heads to Supreme Court Amid Mass Defections
The turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of abating, despite the recent conclusion of its national convention. A growing number of high-profile leaders are resigning from the party, while a faction led by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi escalates its legal challenge to the party's leadership, taking the matter to the Supreme Court.
Legal Battles and Court Rulings Heighten Factional Tensions
The dispute has evolved beyond internal party wrangling into a constitutional issue, testing the limits of judicial intervention in political affairs. In a statement by Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the Makinde-aligned factional PDP National Working Committee, the group confirmed it has filed processes at the Supreme Court to resolve leadership issues and the disputed convention. They accused the faction backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of holding a convention in contempt of the Court of Appeal, where proceedings were ongoing.
In a significant development, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, granted the Wike faction access to the PDP national secretariat and ordered security agencies to protect them. The court declared the convention organized by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction in November 2025 as unconstitutional, null, and void, citing violations of court orders. The Turaki faction has announced plans to appeal this judgment.
INEC's Recognition Sparks Controversy and Criticism
Following Sunday's convention, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) updated its website to recognize a new National Working Committee, with Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. This move is seen as bolstering Wike's faction in the leadership struggle, potentially influencing the PDP's dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, former Deputy National Chairman Olabode George condemned INEC's recognition as "deceitful and dishonest," alleging it weakens opposition parties. He urged calm among party members, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court will deliver justice. Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose warned that Governor Makinde risks expulsion from the PDP and could lose his political stronghold in Oyo State.
Defections and Calls for Reconciliation Amidst the Crisis
The crisis has triggered a wave of defections, with notable figures like Isa Ashiru, the 2023 Kaduna State governorship candidate, and former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide, resigning from the PDP. Ashiru has joined the African Democratic Congress, while Akinjide ended over two decades of association with the party, though her next move remains undisclosed.
Despite the turmoil, presidential aspirant Gbenga Hashim maintains that reconciliation within the PDP is still achievable. He emphasized the need for dialogue to harmonize party structures and preserve the PDP's founding ideals as an inclusive platform, warning that continued division could undermine its opposition strength.
As legal proceedings continue at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, the PDP faces a critical juncture, with its future leadership and unity hanging in the balance.
