A buja, Nigeria – As internal conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalate, prominent party leaders, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), have stepped in to address the deepening rift between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
While some party members urged both leaders to reconcile and strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, others dismissed the feud as a personal dispute unlikely to affect the party’s electoral prospects.
The tension escalated last week after Wike, through his media adviser Lere Olayinka, criticized Governor Mohammed’s opposition to the tax reform bills introduced in late 2024. In response, Mohammed labeled Wike a “transactional politician” known for betraying his allies.
During Wednesday’s PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja, acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara expressed concerns over the multiple crises within the party, urging members to prioritize unity.
Party Leaders Weigh In
PDP National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature downplayed the impact of the Wike-Mohammed feud, stating, “It is personal between them and has nothing to do with the party.” Similarly, NEC member and Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exploiting the conflict to destabilize the PDP.
“No other party apart from the PDP can challenge the APC in 2027, which is why the ruling party is fueling the crisis,” Osadolor claimed. He called on Wike and Mohammed to put aside their differences for the party’s sake.
Reacting to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent remarks urging the opposition to unite against the APC, Osadolor suggested that El-Rufai was welcome to return to the PDP. “If he wishes to rejoin, the doors are open,” he said, adding that El-Rufai had gained national prominence through the PDP.
However, PDP NEC member Diran Odeyemi took a different stance, rejecting claims that the APC was responsible for the party’s internal turmoil. “We are the cause of our problems. Indiscipline has festered because we failed to sanction those who violated party rules,” he stated.
Oyinlola Leads Reconciliation Efforts
In a bid to resolve the crisis, PDP’s National Reconciliation Committee, led by Senator Olagunsoye Oyinlola, met with governors from the North East, including those of Bauchi, Adamawa, and Taraba states. Oyinlola stressed the need to mend internal divisions and reposition the PDP for victory in the next elections.
Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the three governors, backed the reconciliation efforts and accused the APC-led federal government of worsening economic hardships for Nigerians.
Calls for Damagum’s Removal Grow
Meanwhile, tensions rose within the party as Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s camp pushed for the removal of acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum.
Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Assistant to the Rivers Governor on Electronic Media, criticized the party’s leadership, calling for adherence to internal rules. “What happened at the PDP secretariat on Wednesday was shameful. Disregard for the law is at the root of this crisis,” he stated.
Omatsogunwa also dismissed Samuel Anyanwu’s claim to the position of National Secretary, arguing that Anyanwu forfeited his seat when he contested an election.
As the PDP struggles to navigate these internal challenges, party members remain divided over the path forward, with some calling for discipline while others advocate for reconciliation.
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