The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has stepped back from the brink of a deep internal crisis, with camps loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike opening peace talks to steady the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
For months, tensions had been building, spilling into courtrooms, public exchanges and quiet power plays, raising real fears about the party’s unity and its readiness for the next election cycle.
Now, under mounting pressure, both sides appear to be recalibrating, choosing dialogue over a damaging standoff.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, factional PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), aligned with the Makinde camp, had taken the first steps to ease tensions and reopen communication, following the intervention of the Board of Trustees led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.
“In obedience to the advisory of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, the Board of Trustees constituted a high-powered committee to interface with our estranged party members,” Turaki said.
As an initial show of good faith, the NWC postponed key meetings of the National Executive Committee and National Caucus and toned down its public messaging. But the party said it did not get the same response in return, pointing instead to ‘weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric’ and ‘derogatory statements’.
Still, Turaki said a shift has now occurred.
“I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution,” he said.
He appealed directly to supporters nationwide to lower tensions, warning that careless words or actions could undo the fragile progress.
Even with talks underway, the legal fight is far from over. Cases remain active in several courts, including the Court of Appeal, a reminder of how deep the divisions run. Still, the party signalled it is ready to abandon that route entirely if a political deal is reached.
“As soon as we reach agreeable terms, we will willingly withdraw all cases, whether at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or elsewhere, to give peace a chance,” he said.
Turaki also moved to reassure anxious aspirants, many of whom have been watching the crisis unfold with growing concern.
“To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that our party will field candidates for all elective offices,” he said.
Turaki made it clear that compromise will be unavoidable and that the party is prepared to go the distance to hold itself together.
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