The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced a deepening crisis in May 2025 as Nyesom Wike, former Rivers State Governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, withdrew from a reconciliation agreement aimed at resolving internal party conflicts.
Wike’s decision, announced during a press conference in Abuja, was attributed to disagreements with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he accused of undermining the reconciliation process. The move has exacerbated tensions within the PDP, threatening its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reconciliation deal, brokered by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), sought to mend rifts following the 2023 elections, where factionalism and defections weakened the party. Wike, a key figure in the PDP’s G-5 faction, had been at odds with the party’s leadership, particularly over the handling of disciplinary measures and zoning arrangements. He claimed that Makinde, a prominent PDP governor, failed to honor commitments to inclusivity and fairness, alleging that Makinde’s actions favored certain factions. Makinde, in response, denied the accusations, urging Wike to prioritize party unity over personal grievances.
The crisis has raised concerns about the PDP’s ability to challenge the APC, with analysts pointing to Wike’s influence in Rivers State as critical to the party’s electoral prospects. His withdrawal has sparked fears of further defections, with some of his allies hinting at joining the APC. The PDP’s Board of Trustees has called for urgent dialogue to prevent a collapse, while party supporters have expressed frustration over the leadership’s inability to resolve internal disputes. The situation underscores the challenges of managing egos and regional interests within Nigeria’s opposition, with the 2027 elections looming as a critical test.