Nigeria’s major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a deeper crisis ahead of it’s convention..
This followed the current internal disagreements over the 2027 presidential election with opposing camps divided on whether to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
The crisis came days before the party’s National Convention scheduled for March 29 in Abuja, a gathering expected to shape the PDP’s future and determine its readiness for the next general election.
At the heart of the dispute are two dominant factions within the party.
One bloc, reportedly aligned with Nyesom Wike, has shown openness to backing Tinubu’s re-election bid under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In contrast, another faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has firmly rejected such a move, insisting the PDP must remain a credible opposition party.
Reinforcing this stance, factional spokesperson Ini Ememobong described any endorsement of Tinubu as “improper” and inconsistent with the party’s role in a multi-party democracy.
According to him, backing a candidate from another party would undermine the PDP’s identity and weaken democratic competition in Nigeria.
Despite the internal wrangling, the Wike-aligned leadership has maintained that the PDP will field its own presidential candidate in 2027. Plans are already underway to conduct primaries shortly after the upcoming convention.
Sources within the camp revealed that preparations for the convention are in advanced stages, with committees working to ensure a smooth exercise at the Abuja venue. Another convention may follow to specifically nominate the party’s presidential flag bearer.
Amid rising tensions, prominent party elders including Olabode George and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have called for unity, stressing that reconciliation remains non-negotiable.
George warned against the dangers of allowing personal ambitions to fracture the party, describing the idea of a one-party system as “worse than infidelity” and harmful to Nigeria’s democracy.
Saraki, on his part, emphasized the need to stabilise the PDP and ensure it remains a viable platform for aspirants in 2027, noting that the party must be present on the ballot.
