PDP governors, Wike reach truce to strengthen party ahead of 2027 elections

In a strategic move to reposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 presidential election, governors under the party’s platform have reportedly reached a peace deal with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

According to Punch, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde led the delegation of PDP governors to a closed-door meeting with Wike in Lagos last week.

The meeting was aimed at healing long-standing rifts within the party, especially the crisis stemming from the political standoff in Rivers State between Wike and the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Sources close to the discussions revealed that the talks also focused on resolving leadership disputes in the party’s South-South zone, particularly the tussle over the National Secretary position and other issues straining internal unity.

The PDP has grappled with internal rifts since the 2023 elections, with tensions escalating over unresolved matters.

The crisis deepened following the fallout between Wike and Governor Fubara in Rivers, as well as disagreements over the South-South leadership and the vacant National Secretary post since December 2024.

Attempts by the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors Forum to broker peace have instead widened the cracks, leading to further fragmentation across state and zonal structures.

As the crisis persists, frustration has grown among party faithful, with some leaders decamping to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the party’s inability to resolve internal disputes.

Notably, on April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other state officials formally defected to the APC—a development seen as a significant setback to the PDP’s prospects heading into 2027.

A source close to Governor Makinde disclosed that after the Lagos meeting, Makinde planned to brief other PDP governors, while Wike would inform his supporters of the outcome.

He stated, “Makinde and Wike met in Lagos, where Makinde represented the PDP governors and Wike attended on behalf of his loyalists.

“During the meeting, Wike expressed concerns about the Governors Forum’s recommendations, claiming they were made without considering party laws. He stated that some of the positions taken by the governors were illegal. The minister also pointed out that despite the Forum’s numerous positions, it has only succeeded in complicating matters rather than resolving them.

“Wike informed Makinde and other PDP leaders that he was unhappy with the Forum’s decisions regarding the National Secretary, South-South Zonal leadership, and the ongoing issues in Rivers State.
“He promised to stay in the PDP but requested that the forum and party leadership reconsider their positions on these issues in accordance with the party’s considering, to ensure peace, unity, and help reposition the party.”

The source added that Makinde also voiced disappointment over the role some officials had played in worsening the crisis.

He said, “In his response, Makinde also mentioned that the attitude of some officials towards the PDP governors was disrespectful and was not helping the situation. He reassured Wike that no one was trying to embarrass anyone, but rather, everyone was doing their best to reposition the party.

“Makinde promised to brief the governors on or before the forum’s next meeting and assured Wike of his support. They both agreed that concerned members should withdraw the pending litigation and pursue political solutions.

“Additionally, they agreed that the Governors Forum’s decision on issues such as the zonal congress, especially that of the South-South, the Rivers State crisis, the National Secretary position, and other matters should be revisited to accommodate all interests.”

A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the Makinde-Wike meeting aimed to iron out unresolved issues.

The source said, “Yes, Wike and Makinde met to resolve some issues, and their resolutions will go a long way in unifying and repositioning the PDP.”

Efforts to reach the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful as calls to him went unanswered.
Meanwhile, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor expressed optimism that the latest talks, along with earlier meetings, would strengthen the party.

In an exclusive interview,  Osadolor remarked that the party was taking proactive steps to rebuild.

He stated, “Our leaders are not sleeping; a lot of meetings have taken place and more will take place in the future. The PDP will not only bounce back, but it will also reclaim its rightful place. I am sure you can see the movement taking shape as we speak.

“It is already gaining momentum, and people are beginning to speak out and align themselves with the party. I believe that as the days unfold, we will see that this is truly the party to be a part of.

“At this moment, there is no other party to be in. The other party, APC is like a ship with limited capacity. As more people crowd and overload it, it will either sink or capsize. It’s just a matter of time; it’s not a question of if, but when. And that will happen.”