By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
In a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) have thrown their weight behind a reconciliation pact with the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The accord, which has been validated by the Court of Appeal, is aimed at uniting the party’s warring factions.
However, the initiative has deepened internal divisions, facing immediate and firm opposition from a key party stakeholder. According to Punch Newspaper, sources with knowledge of the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, revealed that the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has outrightly rejected the agreement.
Party sources with knowledge of the matter disclosed that Makinde and the expanded BoT meeting agreed that both factions should appoint legal teams and senior party leaders to draft the terms of the reconciliation accord and submit them to the Court of Appeal for approval
He stated, “We have made some progress. Yesterday (Tuesday), after the BoT meeting ended at night, members and leaders of the party, especially the governors and other stakeholders, reconvened around 11pm and had a moment-of-truth conversation among themselves. They told each other the truth about how to preserve the party.
“While Governor Makinde and other critical stakeholders hoped for reconciliation, Governor Bala seems uninterested in reconciling with the Wike-aligned camp. He expressed his view that they are not the kind of people he wants to work with. Others are still trying to persuade him to see the importance of reconciliation.
“That is why he (Bala) did not attend today’s (Wednesday) expanded BoT meeting. This is because he is aware of the disposition of the BoT members, Governor Makinde and others, who support reconciliation with Wike’s group. So, Governor Bala did not show up because he is not interested in reconciling with the Wike camp for now.”
The source stated that the committee would determine the allocation of positions in the NWC and outline the process for implementation.
Earlier, the PDP governors had endorsed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which elected Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year term.
They also oversaw the handover of leadership from former Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9, 2025.
However, a faction loyal to Wike formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee on December 8, 2025, appointing Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate.
Attempts by both the Wike-aligned faction and the governors’ group to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza on November 18, 2025, descended into chaos, resulting in disorder and physical confrontations.
The Nigeria Police Force subsequently sealed the secretariat, which has remained closed ever since.
The development highlights the contrasting approaches within the PDP as it strategizes for the next electoral cycle. While Makinde and the BoT appear willing to broker peace with the Wike group—a move seen as crucial for strengthening the party in key regions—Mohammed’s stance suggests a powerful bloc remains opposed to any deal that would empower the FCT Minister’s camp. The outcome of this internal strife is expected to heavily influence the party’s cohesion and chances in 2027.
