PDP Crisis: leaders roll out reconciliation rules -

Following the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in a bid to remedy the situation have outlined conditions for reconciliation as consultations intensify to resolve the crisis.

Members of both the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)– and Abdulrahman Mohammed-led factions of the National Working Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity to the PUNCH said, the party considered convening a National Executive Committee meeting or holding another national convention to remedy the crisis affecting the party.

PDP governors had thrown their weight behind the Ibadan convention, where Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee were elected on November 16 for a four-year tenure.

However, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his allies — Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu — have maintained that they remain the acting National Chairman and acting National Secretary, respectively.

Although the governors ensured a smooth transition from former Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki ahead of the formal end of Damagum’s tenure on December 9, 2025, the Wike-aligned bloc proceeded on December 8 to constitute a 13-member caretaker committee, appointing Mohammed, Anyanwu and others with a 60-day mandate.

Since then, both camps have been lobbying for official recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

As a result, INEC has declined to recognise any individual as the PDP candidate for the Ekiti election.

Beyond INEC’s refusal to accept the party’s candidate, the PDP has continued to lose relevance in the political landscape, with many members defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress, while a few others have moved to the African Democratic Congress.

Following the crisis, stakeholders have shared the understanding that resorting to the courts could further complicate matters and that prolonged litigation could negatively impact the PDP’s prospects in the 2027 elections.

He said, “With the recent position taken by INEC and its meetings with both factions, it has become increasingly clear that party leaders need to shift ground and find a way to resolve the crisis. Contrary to reports that some names have already been shortlisted for a caretaker committee, that is not true. Discussions are still at a very early stage, with members and stakeholders engaging on possible solutions and exploring all available options.

“One thing, however, is certain: most members and leaders from both camps appear to be convinced that pursuing the matter in court would take a long time, and that delay could affect the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. As it stands, the party does not even have a candidate recognised by INEC for a key election.

“Many of the cases are still before lower courts, while some are at the Court of Appeal. If the matter eventually gets to the Supreme Court, it will take even longer. By then, most political parties would have concluded their primary elections.

“As a result, many leaders understand that litigation would consume time and resources without guaranteeing a favourable outcome, and could further complicate matters for the party. They are therefore considering other options.

“Prominent among these is the recognition that some members have been maligned and alienated, making private and public apologies necessary to heal divisions.

“There is also the question of how to properly reset the process. Some insist that a fresh convention should be held, with certain decisions reversed, all suspensions lifted and assurances given that no member would be expelled or suspended.

“They also propose the convening of a NEC meeting to dissolve existing leadership structures and set up a caretaker committee, with INEC formally witnessing the process. Under this option, both factions would nominate members to a committee that would oversee the party’s affairs.

“However, all discussions remain at a preliminary stage. It is expected that this month, January, physical meetings will be held to address these issues. For now, that is the situation.”

Other sources said, “We must obey the Electoral Act and the rules of the game. If it is going to be a NEC meeting, it must be properly constituted. All suspensions and expulsions are also expected to be lifted.

“There is also the possibility of holding another convention if a NEC meeting does not suffice. INEC will be notified of whatever we intend to do.

“Beyond notifying INEC, there will have to be apologies — public or private — because of the name-calling, insults and tensions that almost turned physical.

“The crisis originally stemmed from party structure, and some of these issues will be discussed among party leaders. Where necessary, there may be trade-offs in some states or party structures, or proper congresses may be held to ensure they are correctly constituted.

“All parties must also discontinue all court cases. These are part of the conditions.

“From the conversations so far, most stakeholders appear ready to achieve genuine reconciliation as soon as possible. The longer the matter remains in court, the more it will hurt the party.

“These issues have encouraged us to ensure that once the break is over, we hit the ground running and meet these conditions quickly. For now, we are still at the beginning stage, with nothing concrete yet.”

Another source disclosed that former Senate President Bukola Saraki, alongside PDP leaders in the Senate, the House of Representatives and other party figures, is engaging members as part of the reconciliation efforts.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Prof. Hassan Saliu, said genuine reconciliation remained the only solution to the PDP’s crisis.

He said, “What is happening in the PDP is not new. Internal crises arise when parties fail to adhere to their constitutions, internal rules or the Electoral Act.

“Resorting to the courts often worsens internal party disputes. Even judges recommend alternative dispute resolution.

“Litigation is time-consuming and could affect the party’s ability to field candidates. Reconciliation through dialogue, compromise and sacrifice remains the best option.