PDP Governors, Wike Strike Deal to End Internal Crisis Before 2027

Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appear to have reached a truce aimed at restoring unity within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to report from Sunday Punch, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde met with Wike in Lagos last week on behalf of PDP governors. The talks reportedly addressed the ongoing crisis in Rivers State between Wike and suspended Governor Sim Fubara, as well as disputes over the South-South zonal leadership and the long-vacant National Secretary position.

Since the 2023 elections, internal strife has gripped the PDP, deepening with clashes between key figures and repeated failures by the party’s leadership bodies—including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and Governors Forum—to find lasting resolutions. The resulting disillusionment has led to defections, most notably on April 23, when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and others joined the APC, dealing a major blow to the PDP’s stability and prospects.

A source close to Governor Makinde said the Lagos meeting saw both sides agree to pursue political solutions over litigation and to revisit controversial party decisions. Wike, the source said, raised concerns about the legality of positions taken by the Governors Forum and demanded that decisions—especially those regarding the National Secretary, South-South leadership, and Rivers State crisis—be reviewed in line with party rules.

Makinde, in turn, acknowledged that the actions of certain officials had worsened tensions and reassured Wike of the governors’ support. Both leaders reportedly agreed to de-escalate internal disputes, brief their respective allies, and push for more inclusive resolutions.

A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee confirmed the meeting and expressed hope that the dialogue would help unify the party.

PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor also voiced optimism, saying that party leaders were actively working to reposition the PDP ahead of 2027. He insisted that the PDP remained the only viable political platform and warned that the ruling APC, which he described as “overloaded,” would soon “sink or capsize.”

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar came under renewed criticism from some party leaders, including a member of the National Working Committee and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi. They accused Atiku of complicating the PDP’s crisis through his unresolved presidential ambition and urged him to publicly withdraw from the 2027 race to foster reconciliation.

Responding through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku dismissed the allegations as absurd, stating that he was being unfairly scapegoated. He maintained that he was not preventing anyone from running and had continued behind-the-scenes efforts to strengthen the party.

Despite the ongoing turbulence, party insiders suggest the recent Makinde-Wike accord could mark a turning point in the PDP’s efforts to regroup and present a united front ahead of the next general election.