Support for Tinubu has triggered fresh internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the party prepares for its National Convention and the 2027 general elections.
The disagreement reflects deeper divisions over political strategy and opposition positioning ahead of the polls.
The crisis centres on conflicting positions within the party regarding President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election bid.
A faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is reportedly supportive of Tinubu’s second-term ambition, while another bloc led by former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has rejected the idea outright.
This division has effectively split the PDP into two camps, with both sides holding opposing views on whether an opposition party should align with a ruling party candidate.
The issue has become one of the most contentious matters ahead of the party’s scheduled National Convention in Abuja.
Speaking on the development, factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, maintained that endorsing another party’s candidate contradicts the PDP’s role.
He said it would be “improper, unjust, and fundamentally unfair” for the PDP to support such a move, stressing that the party must maintain its identity as a credible opposition platform.
Despite these divisions, senior stakeholders within the PDP, including Chief Olabode George and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, have intensified reconciliation efforts.
They emphasised that unity remains critical to ensuring the party fields candidates in the 2027 elections.
The debate over Support for Tinubu comes at a time when internal negotiations are ongoing to resolve leadership disputes and legal challenges within the party.
According to party officials, discussions could lead to the withdrawal of court cases if consensus is reached among the factions.
Governors and key stakeholders, including Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, are reported to be backing efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Party leaders indicated that decisions taken at recent meetings were aimed at stabilising the PDP and preserving its structure ahead of upcoming electoral processes.
However, the persistence of Support for Tinubu within parts of the PDP continues to raise concerns about the party’s cohesion.
Analysts note that unresolved divisions could weaken its ability to function effectively as a national opposition force.
The broader political context adds to the urgency. Nigeria’s next general elections are scheduled for 2027, where President Bola Tinubu is expected to seek re-election under the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Within the PDP, leaders aligned with the Wike camp have reiterated that the party will still field its own presidential candidate, with plans to proceed to primaries after the convention.
This position highlights ongoing attempts to balance internal disagreements while maintaining electoral relevance.
The continued debate over Support for Tinubu underscores a broader question about the direction of opposition politics in Nigeria.
Party decisions in the coming weeks, particularly during and after the National Convention, are expected to shape its preparedness for the 2027 elections.
