By Abigail Philip David
As the leadership rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepens, prominent members of the party, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), are stepping in to mediate between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
While some party leaders call for reconciliation between the two figures to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, others contend that the feud is personal and unlikely to affect the party’s electoral prospects.
Wike has accused his fellow PDP member of being a “transactional politician” and betraying his allies. Meanwhile, at Wednesday’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing crisis, urging unity among aggrieved members for the party’s greater good.
In an exclusive interview, Umar Bature, National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, dismissed the rift as personal, asserting that it would not harm the party’s fortunes. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor also echoed calls for Wike and Mohammed to resolve their differences, suggesting the APC’s interest in fueling the PDP’s internal struggles, but stressed the importance of unity for the future of the party.
“We must urge Wike and Bala to put aside their differences for the overall interest of the party and the country. They are both seasoned members who have contributed significantly to the PDP’s success. Their ongoing public dispute only harms the party’s reputation,” Osadolor stated.
While some believe the APC is exploiting the situation, NEC member Diran Odeyemi disagrees, suggesting that the lack of discipline within the PDP is the root cause of its internal crises. He stressed the importance of enforcing party rules and sanctions for those engaging in anti-party activities.
In a related development, the PDP’s National Reconciliation Committee, led by Senator Olagunsoye Oyinlola, is actively seeking to mend internal divisions. Oyinlola met with the governors of Bauchi, Adamawa, and Taraba to discuss the party’s reconciliation efforts and ensure unity as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.
Adamawa Governor Umaru Fintiri echoed Oyinlola’s sentiment, stressing the need to address internal conflicts in order to challenge the APC effectively. He also criticized the APC-led federal government for its handling of the country’s economic situation, which he claims is worsening the hardships faced by Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Jerry Omatsogunwa, the media aide to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, called for the removal of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, citing his leadership’s role in causing further instability within the party. Omatsogunwa also criticized Samuel Anyanwu’s return to the position of National Secretary despite ongoing legal disputes.
He argued that the PDP needs to strictly adhere to the rule of law to regain its footing and rebuild as a strong opposition party capable of challenging the APC in 2027.
“We need to follow the law, respect court rulings, and make necessary changes. If we want peace, then we must make the difficult decisions, including removing individuals whose actions are undermining the party,” he stated.
