Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, may have agreed to make concessions to foster unity within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to a source, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented PDP governors in a meeting with Wike in Lagos last week.
The source mentioned that discussions during the meeting focused on resolving the political crisis in Rivers State involving Wike and the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as well as addressing concerns related to the South-South zonal leadership, the National Secretary, and other matters to balance the interests of both sides.
Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been dealing with internal crises.
The conflict between Governor Sim Fubara and Wike in Rivers State, disagreements over the South-South zonal leadership, and the unresolved National Secretary position since December 2024 have worsened the situation.
Attempts by the party’s leadership bodies—the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors Forum—to mediate have only exacerbated divisions.
As the crisis continues, some party leaders have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, citing internal issues within the PDP.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other state officials joined on April 23.
According to a source close to the Oyo State governor, after the Lagos meeting, Makinde agreed to brief fellow governors, and Wike would relay the outcome of the talks to his loyal supporters.
Their departure has harmed the PDP’s image and weakened its chances for the 2027 elections.
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 considerations to ensure peace and unity and help reposition the party.”
The source mentioned that Makinde also expressed frustration over how the behaviour of some of the officials involved had worsened the situation.
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 on the condition of anonymity, also confirmed that the meeting involving Makinde, Wike, and others was aimed at addressing unresolved matters.
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.”
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed confidence that the meeting, along with others conducted previously, will reposition the party.
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.”
