Blocs loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have intensified moves to secure alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections amid deepening leadership crisis in the party.
Sources said that the factions are weighing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as possible platforms for PDP aspirants, amid fears that unresolved litigations may prevent the party from fielding candidates.
Concerns heightened following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) rejection of the PDP’s Ekiti governorship candidate, Wole Oluyede, for the June 20, 2026 election. Oluyede emerged from a primary conducted by the Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), loyal to Governors Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal and Ahmadu Fintiri.
INEC has since insisted it will not recognise the Turaki-led NWC due to subsisting court orders arising from multiple lawsuits challenging the legitimacy of the party’s November 2025 Ibadan convention.
Investigations reveal that five court cases are currently threatening the party’s future, with two already before the Court of Appeal. One of the cases, filed by Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanna and Turnah George, resulted in a Federal High Court judgment suspending the convention pending compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. Another suit, filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, restrains INEC from recognising any PDP convention that excluded him as a contestant.
Amid the uncertainty, members of the Turaki-led faction confirmed that talks were ongoing with the ADC to safeguard the political future of their aspirants. A senior party official admitted that the PDP risks being unable to field candidates in 2027 if the crisis persists.
Confirming preliminary contacts, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said the party was open to working with “every Nigerian willing to be part of the rescue mission,” though he noted that discussions were still at an early stage.
From the Wike-aligned bloc, NWC member Timothy Osadolor warned that the PDP’s internal divisions had already damaged its 2027 prospects, insisting that collaboration with a stronger opposition platform was inevitable. He, however, ruled out the APC as a viable option.
In contrast, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu dismissed claims of defections or alliance talks, describing them as speculative. He expressed confidence that the party would soon resolve its crisis and contest the 2027 elections as a united force.
Similarly, National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led NWC, Ini Ememobong, insisted the PDP would not only field candidates but also win the 2027 elections, expressing optimism that favourable court rulings would compel INEC to recognise the party’s leadership.
While both factions maintain confidence in eventual reconciliation, developments suggest that key PDP stakeholders are quietly exploring contingency plans as legal battles continue to cloud the party’s future.
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