PDP Reconciliation Efforts Collapse Amid Wike Faction's Dominance in State Congresses
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a deepening crisis, reconciliation talks between opposing factions have failed, with a group linked to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike seizing control in multiple state congresses. This development threatens to push the opposition party further toward collapse, following a series of defections that stripped it of its minority status in the Senate.
State Congresses Cement Wike Faction's Control
Over the weekend, congresses held across Nigeria saw the Wike-aligned faction decisively uproot remnants of the Turaki-led group. In Oyo State, Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso from the University of Ibadan's Department of Food Technology was elected chairman, alongside 38 other executive members, during a factional congress at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium. The event was monitored by representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies.
Similar outcomes unfolded in Kano State, where 36 new state executive council members emerged through delegate consensus under the leadership of National Caretaker Chairman Mohammad Abdulrahman. In Borno State, Abbas Aliyu was elected as the new state chairman alongside 34 other executives during a congress in Maiduguri, which was also overseen by INEC officials.
Ekiti State witnessed the election of Lanre Omolase, an ally of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, as PDP Chairman. The congress produced a full State Working Committee, including Tunde Ogunleye as Secretary and other key positions such as publicity secretary and women leader.
Chaos and Disputes Mar Congresses in Several States
However, the process was not without controversy. In Taraba State, chaos erupted when two different candidates—Victor Falack and Ibrahim Sale—were announced as consensus winners for the chairmanship position. The confusion led to violent confrontations, forcing security operatives to intervene and whisk the congress chairman away in a patrol van to prevent further escalation.
In Anambra State, party chieftain Amaechi Onowu petitioned FCT Minister Wike, alleging that the congress was hijacked. Onowu claimed that the sale of forms and participation in the exercise were manipulated to exclude interested members, particularly from the Anambra Central Senatorial District, which was zoned for the state chairman position.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State PDP chapter raised alarms over attempts to destabilize the party, with State Chairman Dupe Aisida describing purported moves to dissolve the State Executive Committee as a "political coup." Aisida emphasized that the leadership remains intact and operational, having emerged from duly conducted congresses monitored by INEC and security agencies.
Lamido Urges Reconciliation Amidst Wrangling
Amid the ongoing turmoil, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, urged stakeholders to sheathe their swords and pursue reconciliation. Lamido described Wike as a politically strategic figure who capitalized on the leadership vacuum after the expiration of the party's National Working Committee tenure.
"Wike is someone who is really, really clever. I think he realized the situation and moved to form a caretaker committee. By the time the tenure of the existing NWC ended, the only structure in place was the one backed by Wike," Lamido stated. He stressed the need for dialogue to ensure unity, warning that Nigeria's electoral timelines leave little room for prolonged crises that could affect candidate nominations.
Strategic Alliance Forms in Benue State
In a surprising twist, an APC faction in Benue State, backed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, has entered into an alliance with the PDP. Key APC members attended an expanded PDP caucus meeting at the residence of former governor Samuel Ortom, described as a "strategic partnership" to address security challenges and underdevelopment in the state.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro announced the partnership, urging support for any candidate that emerges from the collaboration. Ortom emphasized the importance of unity and mobilization for the party's forthcoming e-registration, noting that the new electoral act mandates direct primaries.
This alliance highlights the fluid political landscape as parties grapple with internal strife and external pressures, further complicating the PDP's path to recovery.
