PDP Crisis: Wike, Makinde Camps Clash Over NEC Meeting, Interim Committee

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a fresh twist yesterday as rival factions loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde clashed over the legitimacy of the party’s 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the emergence of an interim national leadership led by Tanimu Turaki.

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The Wike faction on Monday rejected the NEC meeting reportedly backed by Makinde, describing it as unconstitutional and lacking proper authorisation by the party’s leadership.

But the Board of Trustees (BoT) under the Makinde-backed PDP leadership said the NEC meeting was legitimately convened as it got the required two-thirds of members in line with the party’s constitution.

Makinde, similarly, defended the meeting which saw to the emergence of Tanimu Turaki as chairman of the Interim National Committee.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the fresh leadership crisis erupted after the Supreme Court judgement last week which nullified last year’s Ibadan national  convention of PDP which produced the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).

However, the warring camps differed over whether or not the apex court upheld the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and some other party officials who are now in the Wike-backed PDP executives.

While the Wike-backed PDP has insisted that the court did not make such a judgement, the Makinde-backed PDP maintained otherwise, prompting the Board of Trustees (BoT) backed by Makinde to declare it had taken charge of the party.

The newly inaugurated members are Tanimu Turaki; Arapaja Taofeek Gbola-Oladejo – Secretary; Hamza Akuyam Koshe – Member; Dr. Daniel Ambrose Woyengikuro – Member; Ihediwa Richard Nnabugwu – Member; Isa Abubakar – Member; Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel – Member; Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan – Member; Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr – Member; Adewale Idowu – Member; Bara’u Shafi’i – Member; Ogbu Anthonia Chinenyenwa – Member; Hon. Umar Dan Aji – Member.

Despite the camps’ clash, they have set out separate election timetables for the 2027 elections, insisting that they will field candidates.

Wike Camp Kicks

In a statement, the group dismissed claims by party leaders, including former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and Turaki that a valid NEC session had been convened, insisting that any resolutions from the gathering were “null, void, and of no effect.”

The faction also faulted moves to constitute an interim or caretaker committee, arguing that such a step contradicts the party’s constitution. It further alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly the requirement to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days’ notice before holding such a meeting.

Raising questions over Wabara’s role, the group claimed he lacked the constitutional standing to lead the process, while also maintaining that the Board of Trustees (BoT) has only advisory, not executive, powers.

“We call on all party members and the general public to disregard this illegitimate assembly,” the statement added, reaffirming loyalty to the party’s existing leadership structure.

Makinde Group Insists Gathering Was Legitimate

However, the Makinde camp has defended both the NEC meeting and the decisions taken at the gathering, including the emergence of an Interim National Working Committee led by Turaki.

Speaking in Abuja, Makinde insisted that the meeting was properly constituted and met the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds quorum.

“This is a battle for democracy… we will not give up,” the governor said, describing the crisis as part of a broader struggle to preserve Nigeria’s democratic space.

The NEC meeting ratified a 13-member interim committee, with Turaki as chairman and former Oyo Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja as national secretary, alongside other members drawn from across the country.

Makinde pledged full support for the interim leadership, expressing confidence that the PDP would overcome its internal turmoil and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.

He likened the situation to “the darkest moment before dawn,” urging party faithful to remain steadfast.

The governor also raised concerns over the reported takeover of key party offices, including Wadata Plaza and Legacy House, by individuals he described as unauthorised, while questioning the loyalty of some aspirants within the party.

In his acceptance speech, Turaki assured members that the interim committee would stabilise the party and lead it to victory in future elections.

“We will field candidates for all elective offices and produce a presidential candidate who will win for Nigeria,” he said, pledging loyalty and commitment to rebuilding the party.

Meanwhile, Wabara, as BoT chairman, defended the NEC meeting, stating that it was convened by two-thirds of members in line with the party’s constitution.

He said the board stepped in to provide direction following a leadership vacuum created by recent court decisions affecting the party’s National Working Committee.

He urged members of the interim committee to make sacrifices and prioritise unity, discipline, and internal democracy in rebuilding the PDP.

The escalating dispute underscores widening divisions within the opposition party, with both factions laying claim to legitimacy and control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With tensions rising and positions hardening, the battle for the soul of the PDP appears far from over.