Court-Ordered PDP Settlement Sees Governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed Split Over Wike Accord

According to a report from The Punch, tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have intensified as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed take opposing positions on a court‑mandated reconciliation process with the faction aligned to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The disagreement comes amid efforts to resolve a long-standing leadership dispute ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The conflict traces back to a *Court of Appeal* ruling on March 9 that nullified the outcomes of the November 2025 PDP National Convention, citing irregularities in the election of the party’s National Working Committee. The court urged both factions to seek an out-of-court settlement and adjourned the case sine die, creating a window for negotiation.

Following the ruling, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and senior stakeholders led by Makinde agreed to establish a special committee of legal experts and party leaders. The committee’s mandate is to draft terms for reconciliation, including the allocation of key leadership positions and procedures for party governance in preparation for the 2027 elections.

Sources within the party indicate that Bala Mohammed has resisted the reconciliation initiative, expressing reluctance to work with Wike’s faction. He did not attend the recent expanded BoT meeting, signaling his hesitation to engage with the proposed peace process. Efforts are ongoing to persuade him to participate in the negotiations.

The PDP has faced further challenges as both factions previously attempted to secure recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission, which declined to endorse either side. Earlier confrontations at the party secretariat escalated into legal disputes, adding to the complexity of resolving the leadership crisis.

Wike’s camp has confirmed its readiness for reconciliation but insists that any agreement be transparent and substantive. Makinde and other governors, meanwhile, emphasize the need for unity to position the PDP effectively for the upcoming elections.