Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have reportedly made progress in talks aimed at ending the long-running internal disputes threatening the future of the party.
A trusted insider revealed that a private meeting between Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Wike took place in Lagos, where key issues facing the PDP were discussed.
The meeting, held behind closed doors, is said to have covered pressing matters such as the leadership crisis in Rivers State involving Governor Sim Fubara and Wike, the unresolved position of the National Secretary, and leadership concerns in the South-South zone. The source noted that Makinde stood in for the PDP Governors Forum, while Wike represented his group of loyalists within the party.
Since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, the PDP has struggled to maintain unity, as internal divisions have grown deeper. The conflict between Wike and Governor Fubara became a public spectacle, pulling the party into further disarray. Despite efforts by major party organs — including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and PDP Governors Forum — a lasting solution has remained out of reach.
The situation has been made worse by high-profile defections. On April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other notable figures, joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Their exit has weakened the PDP’s national image and dented its readiness for the 2027 elections.
According to the source, Wike voiced dissatisfaction with the PDP Governors Forum’s recent actions, especially concerning appointments and zoning decisions.
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 considering, to ensure peace, unity, and help reposition the party.”
“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 official within the National Working Committee confirmed the purpose of the meeting, noting that it was a step toward restoring unity. “Yes, Wike and Makinde met to resolve some issues, and their resolutions will go a long way in unifying and repositioning the PDP,” the official noted.
Meanwhile, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor shared optimism that these behind-the-scenes engagements would benefit the party. “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,” he said.
However, not all voices within the party are hopeful. Some members blame the ongoing crisis on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. A National Working Committee member and ex-Deputy Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi argued that Atiku’s ambitions have made party reconciliation harder. “From all indications, Atiku’s 2027 ambition is part of what is aggravating the crisis in PDP,” the NWC member said.
They urged Atiku to publicly step back from presidential ambitions to allow peace to return. In response, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed the claims, saying, “It’s ridiculous to suggest Atiku is the problem. He has never been the problem. If others want to run, they should come forward and face the process.”
