Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a significant political development within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Abia state governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan have publicly appealed for unity and reconciliation in the party as an influential faction backed by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike moves forward with plans for an upcoming national convention.
On Saturday, a meeting convened by leaders loyal to Wike’s faction inaugurated a National Convention Committee as part of the preparatory process for the PDP’s national convention, a key event in the party’s internal calendar ahead of the 2027 general elections. The committee will oversee arrangements and planning for the convention, including the election of party officers and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), which is responsible for the PDP’s organisational leadership.
Speaking at the meeting, Okezie Ikpeazu emphasised the need for reconciliation and healing within the party after a period of intense internal disagreement. Ikpeazu described the national convention as a pivotal moment for PDP members to put aside past grievances and work together for the party’s future stability and electoral competitiveness. His appeal came amid ongoing factional tensions that have seen divisions between different camps within the PDP deepen over the last several years. Many party members and observers have viewed these disputes as having weakened the party’s organisational cohesion.
Also addressing the gathering, Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan urged for the return of lawmakers and party members who had defected from the PDP in previous crises. She lamented the loss of key legislators and emphasised the importance of rebuilding the party’s strength and unity. Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s comments resonated with broader calls among some PDP leaders for inclusivity and healing, highlighting the need for experienced members to re‑engage with the party ahead of major elections.
The meeting and the inauguration of the convention committee underscore the influence of Nyesom Wike’s faction within the PDP. Wike, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has been a polarising force within the party, particularly following disagreements over the party’s presidential primaries and leadership choices in recent election cycles. His faction’s active role in organising the convention has drawn attention, as it signals a strategic effort to shape the direction of the party’s leadership and internal structure.
Despite the appeals for unity, the PDP continues to grapple with deep internal divisions. Senior party figures, including influential national leaders, have been engaged in ongoing efforts to reconcile rival camps. These efforts have included high‑level consultations and mediation by seasoned party elders aimed at bridging gaps and fostering dialog across different party constituencies. The context for these dialogues has been shaped by past disputes, including legal battles over party leadership and contested conventions that were later nullified by the courts, resetting the internal calendar and necessitating another round of organisational planning.
The party’s fractures were exacerbated after the 2023 presidential primary, when disagreements between Wike and other leading figures over strategy and nominations led to publicised tensions. These disputes contributed to a series of defections, with some PDP members crossing over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), creating a notable decline in the party’s legislative strength, particularly in the Senate.
To address these challenges, reconciliation initiatives within the PDP have sought to involve respected leaders who can facilitate communication between competing interests. Figures such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Kaduna state governor Ahmed Makarfi, and veteran politician Jerry Gana have been part of consultations geared toward restoring party unity. However, despite these ongoing efforts, observers note that mistrust and entrenched positions persist, making comprehensive reconciliation an ongoing and delicate process.
Internal disputes have also spilled into public discourse, with some PDP governors and leaders taking divergent stances on the direction of the party. Statements from certain quarters have criticised alliances with Wike’s faction, describing them as detrimental to democratic norms within the party. These public disagreements illustrate the depth of internal debate and the range of perspectives among PDP members on how best to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
The stakes of the national convention and the surrounding preparations extend beyond procedural matters, as success in organising a cohesive and unified leadership structure is widely seen as critical to the PDP’s effectiveness as an opposition force. Achieving genuine reconciliation and presenting a united front will be essential if the party hopes to regain political ground in upcoming national contests.
As the PDP proceeds with convention planning, party watchers will be closely monitoring whether the calls for unity by Ikpeazu and Akpoti‑Uduaghan translate into broader cooperation among rival factions. The outcome of these efforts could significantly influence the party’s strategic positioning and its capacity to mobilise support ahead of the general elections.
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