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PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike, Turaki Camps Clash Over Convention Plans

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 14th, 2026.

Fresh tensions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as rival factions continue to struggle to reach a reconciliation agreement while preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually intensify.

The dispute largely involves two blocs within the party , one aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and the other loyal to former presidential aspirant Tanimu Turaki. Despite growing calls for unity from party elders, both camps appear to be moving forward with separate strategies.

According to The Nation, the faction linked to Wike is proceeding with its internal activities, including state congresses, following its recent legal victory at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The appellate court had earlier upheld judgments that invalidated the November 2025 PDP national convention held in Ibadan, which produced the Turaki-led leadership.

The court ruling also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the outcome of that convention.

Wike Camp Sets Conditions for Talks

Speaking on the development, the spokesperson for the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Jungudu Haruna Mohammed, said the group remained open to reconciliation but insisted that any proposal from the opposing faction must be formally documented.

“As we have always said, the caretaker committee is open to reconciliation,” Mohammed said in remarks quoted by The Nation Newspaper.

However, he stressed that discussions must follow proper procedures.

“We are waiting for them to submit their proposal in writing. Verbal discussions will no longer be entertained so that nobody is misquoted,” he added.

Mohammed further indicated that the Wike aligned faction had already outlined certain non-negotiable conditionsahead of any possible settlement.

Among them is the refusal to dissolve the existing caretaker committee or postpone the party’s national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

“Those two issues are not open for negotiation,” he said. “The convention date stands, and there will be no new caretaker committee.”

Despite ongoing tensions, the faction said its planned activities, including nationwide state congresses, would continue.

Turaki Camp Urges Quick Dialogue

Meanwhile, the Turaki faction acknowledged the urgency of resolving the crisis, citing the pressure created by the INEC timetable for the 2027 elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, said representatives from both camps were expected to engage in talks aimed at finding common ground.

“We are aware of the pressure that the election timetable places on us,” Ememobong said in comments reported by The Punch.

He explained that both sides were working toward an outcome based on mutual understanding rather than concessions.

“The aim is to strengthen the party and ensure it remains a credible opposition platform,” he added.

Saraki Continues Mediation Efforts

Efforts to reconcile the two camps have largely been championed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who has maintained a neutral stance in the dispute.

Party sources told The Guardian that Saraki has been holding consultations with key PDP figures across the country in an attempt to prevent a full-blown split within the party.

However, the former Senate President is currently in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, according to his media aide Yusuph Olaniyonu.

“We are presently in Saudi Arabia for Umrah,” Olaniyonu said in a message cited by The Nation. “After Sallah, we will have a clearer picture of developments.”

Sources within the party say Saraki had earlier suggested the formation of a broad-based caretaker committeecomprising members from both factions as a possible compromise.

Fresh Conditions Complicate Settlement

Negotiations have been further complicated by reported conditions from the Turaki faction.

Party insiders told Vanguard that some members of the bloc are insisting that Wike should abandon any political plan that could support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 before a full reconciliation can occur.

However, the minister is believed to be unwilling to accept such conditions.

Some members of the Turaki group are reportedly considering political alternatives, including aligning with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is currently associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Makinde’s Silence Raises Questions

Meanwhile, the ongoing PDP crisis has also been linked to the delay by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in announcing his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Makinde had previously hinted that he would reveal his choice by early 2026. However, during a recent Ramadan lecture in Ibadan, he only outlined the qualities he expects from a potential successor rather than naming a candidate.

Political observers quoted by Daily Trust believe the governor’s cautious approach may be connected to the internal divisions within the party.

Makinde is currently aligned with the Turaki faction, which recently lost control of the party structure following the appellate court ruling.

His relationship with Wike , once a close ally has also deteriorated in recent months.

Uncertain Future for the PDP

The ongoing leadership battle has already triggered a wave of defections across the PDP, with several governors and lawmakers leaving the party over the past year.

Analysts say the continued internal conflict could weaken the party’s ability to present a strong challenge in the 2027 elections unless reconciliation efforts succeed soon.

As one senior party member told The Punch, the stakes for the PDP are high.

“If the crisis is not resolved quickly, the party risks losing its position as the country’s main opposition force,” the source warned.