By John Umeh
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, is once again caught in the throes of internal discord, this time involving two of its most prominent figures—Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Seyi Makinde, the re-elected governor of Oyo State. Their struggle for supremacy within the party’s leadership structure has ignited a fresh round of tension that threatens to fracture the PDP’s fragile unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the center of the crisis is a power tussle between Wike and Makinde, both of whom wield significant influence in their respective regions—the South-South and the Southwest. While Wike has long been regarded as a political juggernaut within the PDP, particularly for his financial muscle and grassroots reach, Makinde has emerged as a rising powerbroker with a younger, reform-minded following and a strategic grip on the Southwest bloc of the party.
The latest clash reportedly stems from disagreements over appointments within the party, the zoning of leadership positions, and control of state chapters, especially in the South. Both camps have accused each other of attempting to hijack party structures to advance personal ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike, now serving in a federal cabinet under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, is believed to still hold significant sway in PDP politics, a fact that has raised eyebrows and deepened suspicions about his intentions.
Party insiders say the ongoing conflict is not just a personal rivalry but reflects broader ideological and strategic differences within the PDP. Wike is perceived by some as a traditionalist who prefers a strong, centralized party structure and is not shy about using aggressive political tactics. Makinde, on the other hand, is seen as a proponent of internal democracy, pushing for reforms that would limit the power of political godfathers and promote wider consultation in decision-making.
The dispute has already started to polarize stakeholders across state lines. In the Southwest, many PDP members have rallied around Makinde as the region’s most senior elected official, while some factions in the South-South continue to pledge loyalty to Wike, citing his years of financial commitment and political defense of the party during its toughest periods.
In a recent development, a closed-door meeting involving the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) ended in a stalemate, as both camps refused to cede ground. Efforts by party elders and the Board of Trustees (BoT) to mediate have so far yielded little success, with both sides maintaining hardline positions. This stalemate has raised fears that the crisis could degenerate into full-scale factionalism if not urgently addressed.
Observers warn that unless a compromise is reached, the power struggle could severely undermine the PDP’s preparations for 2027. The party, which is already recovering from its defeat in the 2023 presidential election, cannot afford another internal rupture that could cost it key states and voters. Analysts argue that the PDP must urgently develop a conflict resolution strategy that prioritizes unity, internal democracy, and collective decision-making over personal ambition and regional rivalries.
Some party elders are now calling for a national reconciliation summit that will bring all aggrieved leaders to the table. There is also growing pressure on the PDP leadership to clearly define its stance on members who hold appointments in an APC government, as many see Wike’s continued dual presence as a source of confusion and mistrust.
For now, the crisis within the PDP shows no signs of abating. As Wike and Makinde continue their political tug-of-war, the future of the party hangs in the balance. Whether the PDP can emerge stronger from this internal battle or slide further into disarray remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that resolving this leadership feud is critical if the party hopes to position itself as a credible alternative in the 2027 elections.
