The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has convened a high-stakes meeting between rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a bid to resolve internal disputes that threaten to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan summoned leaders and representatives of the two contending groups to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where deliberations are currently underway. The meeting brings together members of the Makinde-backed Turaki faction and the Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulrahman Mohammed faction, both of which have laid competing claims to the leadership and direction of Africa’s once-dominant party.
The crisis erupted earlier this year after heightened disagreements over party leadership, structure and control of key decision-making processes. Governor Seyi Makinde’s Turaki camp has argued for an inclusive, reform-oriented PDP leadership approach, while the group aligned with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and led by Abdulrahman Mohammed has pushed back against perceived marginalisation and centralisation of power within the party hierarchy.
With the meeting ongoing at INEC’s headquarters, sources familiar with the discussions say the commission is focused on encouraging the factions to harmonise existing parallel leadership structures and present a united face ahead of the mandated electoral timetable. INEC’s intervention follows a series of court cases and public rows that have sown confusion among PDP stakeholders and voters nationwide.
Chairman Amupitan’s move is rooted in INEC’s statutory role to ensure that political parties operate in a manner consistent with the Constitution and electoral laws. A breakdown in internal party governance, officials argue, could impede party participation in elections or lead to conflicting submissions of candidates and executives during primaries and general polls.
While INEC has not disclosed the full details of the discussions, party sources indicate that the commission is urging both factions to reconcile leadership disputes and adopt a single registered national executive committee. A senior PDP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the meeting as “an important opportunity to end a divisive chapter and focus on rebuilding the party’s credibility.”
Reaction from both camps has been cautious. Supporters of the Turaki faction say they remain committed to dialogue but insist that any resolution must uphold democratic norms and respect decisions from recognised party organs. Meanwhile, backers of the Wike-aligned group have stressed the need for internal justice and proper representation within PDP structures before any unity pact can be reached.
The rift has already had political ramifications. Some state chapters of the PDP have reportedly split their allegiances, pledging support to either Makinde’s or Wike’s camps, and voices within the party have warned that prolonged disunity could erode the PDP’s chances in key electoral battlegrounds.
