Leaders of Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly re-evaluating a reconciliation framework initially proposed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki. This renewed interest comes as the party grapples with a deepening internal crisis, exacerbated by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent refusal to acknowledge a factional National Working Committee (NWC). The move signals a potential shift towards internal dialogue as the preferred method for resolution, moving away from protracted legal battles.
INEC, in a letter dated December 22 and made public recently, informed the PDP’s legal representatives that it could not recognise the NWC led by Tanimu Turaki. The electoral body cited the “sub judice” nature of the matter, indicating that any administrative action taken at this stage would pre-empt the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. This stance by the commission has underscored the urgency for the party to find an alternative path to unity.
The current leadership dispute stems from a November convention that produced a new set of national officers, following a series of conflicting judicial pronouncements. While several Federal High Courts in Abuja had issued injunctions to restrain the PDP from holding the convention, citing alleged breaches of the party’s constitution and electoral laws, an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan subsequently cleared the exercise and directed INEC to monitor it. This created a legal quagmire that has since plagued the party’s structure.
Two distinct factions have emerged from this contentious period. The Turaki-led NWC enjoys the backing of prominent figures, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed. Conversely, a rival faction, spearheaded by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced its own parallel national working committee, board of trustees (BoT), and national executive committee (NEC), further entrenching the party’s divisions.
Against this backdrop, party sources indicate a growing apprehension among PDP leaders regarding the reliance on court judgments to settle the dispute. There is a palpable fear that judicial outcomes, by definitively declaring winners and losers, would only exacerbate the crisis and deepen existing fault lines within the party. This sentiment is pushing for a more conciliatory approach that prioritizes collective healing over adversarial resolutions.
The renewed focus on Saraki’s model aligns with his earlier advice for the PDP to manage its internal affairs proactively, thereby eliminating the necessity for litigation. He had consistently warned that prolonged court battles could significantly impede the party’s progress and ultimately undermine its foundational unity. Saraki, who previously chaired the party’s reconciliation committee, advocated for a framework that fostered inclusivity rather than division.
According to an anonymous party leader, the immediate next step involves a return to the Saraki formula. “We should not wait for the courts to deliver judgments in any of the cases, as that will only worsen the situation,” the source stated, emphasizing the need for internal engagement. Discussions are reportedly underway among various leaders to resolve disagreements, with Saraki himself said to be actively involved in efforts to bring the party together.
Saraki’s vision for a unified PDP extends to the structure of its conventions. He specifically cautioned against factionalisation, arguing that such internal strife would only serve to benefit the party’s political opponents. Instead, he urged leaders to strive for an “all-encompassing national convention,” a stark contrast to the “fractured” one held in Ibadan. Such a convention, he posited, could comprehensively address outstanding issues, facilitate a review of the party’s constitution, and ultimately chart a clear and cohesive path forward for the organization.
The urgency for reconciliation has been heightened by recent developments, including INEC’s summoning of both factions to a roundtable meeting last week. This meeting was reportedly aimed at finding a comprehensive solution to the party’s fragmentation, particularly as preparations commence for the 2026 FCT area council polls. The electoral calendar adds another layer of pressure, necessitating a swift and effective resolution to the internal squabbles.
This strategic pivot towards internal mediation underscores a collective recognition within the PDP that unity is paramount for its political viability. By embracing a model that prioritizes dialogue and consensus-building over adversarial legal processes, the party hopes to rebuild trust, mend fractured relationships, and present a formidable front in future electoral contests, starting with the impending FCT polls.
