Two prominent factions within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have demonstrated an unyielding stance in resolving the party’s internal crisis. This deadlock persists despite a recent intervention by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The electoral commission had convened leaders from the opposing factions, chaired by Tanimu Turaki and Abdulrahman Mohammed respectively, at its Abuja headquarters. INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan stated the intervention was prompted by ongoing correspondence from the party and was also a necessary step in light of upcoming elections.

These upcoming electoral engagements include the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, and the governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states slated for June and July of the same year. Professor Amupitan emphasized INEC’s statutory duty to monitor the activities of all political parties under the law.

However, representatives from both sides have indicated that the matter is fundamentally a legal one. Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary for the Makinde faction, stated that any resolution hinges on the outcome of appeals before the Court of Appeal. He reiterated that the Supreme Court has previously cautioned against electoral bodies determining political party leadership.

Ememobong described the meeting with INEC as a mere interaction, noting that conflicting Federal High Court rulings regarding the party’s convention are under appeal. He asserted that the court should not interfere in internal party matters and that the convention proceeded despite judicial pronouncements on its attendance and specific inclusions.

Conversely, Timothy Osadolor, Acting National Youth Leader for the Wike camp, echoed the sentiment that leadership disputes are currently within the purview of the courts. He suggested that a resolution is only possible if the disputing parties withdraw their cases and acknowledge the lack of a unified exercise in Ibadan.

Osadolor further commented on those who attended the November convention in Ibadan, referring to it as an “early Christmas party.” He suggested that individuals who participated in that event should either return to the PDP or formally align with other parties, citing instances of governors defecting to other political platforms.

The continued intransigence of these factions underscores the deep divisions within the PDP. Despite INEC’s efforts to foster dialogue and ensure electoral readiness, the party’s leadership crisis appears to be locked in a legal battle, with significant implications for its future cohesion and electoral prospects.

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Keywords: PDP crisis, Wike faction, Makinde faction, INEC intervention, PDP leadership, Seyi Makinde, Nyesom Wike, political party crisis