The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing challenges in reconciling internal factions as Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed met with prominent political figures, including Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and Senator Seriake Dickson, amid efforts to position the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP has been divided into rival factions after a protracted leadership dispute that emerged following its elective convention in November 2025.
This division led to two competing leadership structures, one backed by party governors and another supported by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The party’s internal strife has resulted in legal challenges and ongoing discussions aimed at reconciling the factions.
A Court of Appeal judgment in March 2026 nullified results from the November 2025 convention, intensifying the need for internal negotiations.
On Sunday, Makinde and gubernatorial colleagues held a closed‑door meeting with Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State.
They subsequently travelled to Kano, where they met with Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and 2023 presidential candidate, alongside Peter Obi.
Although the meeting was officially framed as part of Eid‑el‑Fitr celebrations, officials confirmed the gatherings occurred amid broader strategic discussions within the PDP.
Meanwhile, the Wike‑aligned faction, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has accused the governors’ group of attempting to undermine the upcoming March 29–30 national convention.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary for the Wike faction, Jungudo Mohammed, made this accusation publicly.
In response, the Turaki‑backed camp described the claims as unsubstantiated, stating it remains committed to reconciliation within the party.
The leadership dispute has split the party, with each faction maintaining its organisational structure and leadership claims.
The governors’ faction conducted a convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, electing a National Working Committee, but the courts later ruled that process invalid on legal grounds.
Efforts to bridge differences have been ongoing, with both factions signalling willingness to engage in dialogue.
However, statements from key party leaders and continued disagreements suggest that reconciliation efforts have not yet reached a conclusive resolution.
The meetings between Makinde, other governors and influential figures like Kwankwaso and Dickson occur as the PDP prepares for the 2027 general elections, scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The party aims to resolve internal disputes while establishing a unified strategy to contest national and state offices.
