Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has plunged deeper into crisis as rival factions loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde refused to shift ground, despite intervention efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The standoff, which centres on leadership legitimacy and control of the party’s structures, has further exposed long-running divisions within the PDP, raising fresh concerns about its unity and preparedness ahead of future electoral contests.
INEC had reportedly stepped into the dispute in an attempt to clarify leadership recognition and restore order within the party, following weeks of confusion caused by parallel claims to authority by the two factions. However, the intervention has so far failed to yield any breakthrough.
The faction aligned with Wike insists it represents the authentic and constitutionally recognised leadership of the PDP. Loyalists of the former Rivers State governor argue that their camp emerged through established party processes and should therefore be recognised by both INEC and party stakeholders as the legitimate authority.
On the other hand, the bloc backed by Governor Makinde has remained equally resolute, maintaining that it is the rightful custodian of the party. Makinde’s supporters contend that their position reflects the will of key party organs and aligns with the PDP’s internal democratic principles.
Both factions have continued to issue statements, hold meetings and make strategic moves as though the other does not exist, deepening the crisis and creating uncertainty across party ranks at both the national and state levels.
Party insiders say the disagreement is not merely about leadership titles but reflects a broader struggle for influence and control within the PDP, particularly as it seeks to redefine its identity after losing the 2023 presidential election.
Analysts note that the failure of INEC’s intervention underscores the severity of the internal rift and highlights the limitations of external mediation when political actors remain unwilling to compromise.
The crisis has sparked concern among PDP supporters and stakeholders, many of whom fear that prolonged infighting could weaken the party’s opposition role and hand an advantage to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Some party elders and civil society voices have called for urgent reconciliation, warning that continued defiance of institutional efforts to resolve the dispute could damage the PDP’s credibility and electoral prospects.
As both camps remain entrenched, the PDP appears headed for a prolonged power struggle, with the risk of legal battles, further factionalisation and possible defections looming large. For now, the party’s leadership crisis shows no sign of resolution, leaving its future direction uncertain and deeply contested.
