2027: PDP Governors Move to Reconcile With Wike Ahead of Elections
As the 2027 general elections approach, governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly making strategic moves to mend fences with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a bid to restore internal cohesion and reposition the party for future electoral success.
According to reliable sources, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde recently held a crucial meeting with Wike in Lagos, representing fellow PDP governors. The discussions reportedly centered on defusing tensions within the party—especially the lingering crisis in Rivers State involving Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as well as disputes over the South-South zonal leadership and the unresolved National Secretary position.
The PDP has faced escalating internal turmoil since the 2023 general elections, with divisions deepening rather than healing. Attempts by various party organs—the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Executive Committee (NEC), and the PDP Governors Forum—to broker peace have only intensified factional conflicts, leading to defections and further fragmentation within the party.
The most recent setback came in April when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent PDP figures officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), dealing a heavy blow to the opposition party’s morale and prospects.
Following the Lagos meeting, sources close to Makinde disclosed that he would brief fellow governors on the outcome of the talks, while Wike was expected to consult with his own loyalists. During the meeting, Wike reportedly voiced frustration over the governors’ handling of key decisions, arguing that some actions—particularly around party positions—were inconsistent with PDP’s internal regulations. He emphasized that these decisions had only worsened tensions rather than offering solutions.
Wike, however, reaffirmed his commitment to remaining within the PDP but urged the leadership to revisit contentious decisions, especially those concerning the National Secretary role, the South-South leadership structure, and the Rivers State crisis. He called for dialogue and compromise to foster unity and peace within the party.
Governor Makinde, in response, acknowledged the strained relationship between the governors and other party figures, citing what he described as a dismissive attitude toward the governors’ input. He stressed that the intention was not to sideline anyone but to rebuild a stronger and more united PDP. Both leaders agreed that pending court cases should be withdrawn in favor of political solutions and that the forum’s decisions on controversial matters would be reviewed to reflect a more inclusive approach.
A senior PDP official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the reconciliation efforts and expressed optimism that the outcome of the meeting could help the party regain its footing ahead of 2027.
Although efforts to reach the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful, the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, voiced confidence that ongoing reconciliation moves, including the Lagos meeting, would play a vital role in stabilizing and repositioning the party.
