Internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party have intensified following disagreements among key leaders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The disputes have raised concerns among party stakeholders about unity within the opposition party.
The PDP has experienced internal disagreements since the 2023 general elections. The disagreements involve party leadership positions, political alignments and disputes among prominent members.
A major issue involves the position of the party’s National Secretary. Different factions within the party have supported separate individuals for the role, leading to legal disputes and political tension.
The disputes have also involved senior party figures, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who has been leading reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving disagreements among party stakeholders.
Disagreements between Wike and Makinde have contributed significantly to the party’s internal tensions.
Both political figures were previously members of the G5 group of governors within the PDP.
Wike served as governor of Rivers State before his appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His political position has remained a subject of debate among party members.
The dispute over the National Secretary position has also remained unresolved. Some party leaders have insisted on recognising Senator Samuel Anyanwu for the position, citing a Supreme Court ruling.
Attempts at reconciliation among party leaders have taken place through meetings involving Saraki and other senior members of the party.
At one of the party’s meetings, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum addressed the leadership crisis and urged members to work toward unity within the party.
Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam also expressed concerns about the internal challenges facing the party.
Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido similarly warned about the implications of continued divisions within the PDP.
Party leaders have acknowledged that resolving internal disagreements is important as the PDP prepares for future political activities, including its planned national convention.
