Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that there is only one Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing suggestions of separate factions within the party.
Wike made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday while speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing projects across the FCT.
He noted that it is natural for some individuals in any political setting to feel dissatisfied.He added that discussions on reconciliation within the party are ongoing, ahead of the PDP National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.
The Minister clarified that holding the convention does not prevent reconciliation, as discussions could continue afterward.“As far as I am concerned, there is only one PDP, and it would be incorrect to suggest otherwise,” Wike said.
He also highlighted that party primaries are set to take place from April 23 to May 13, in line with the Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s guidelines.
“This timeline leaves little room for delays,” he added.Wike’s remarks come as camp loyal to him and the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, have reportedly opened reconciliation talks in an effort to stabilize the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
This development follows months of deep internal crisis, legal battles, and factional leadership disputes that had brought the party to the “brink of collapse”.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, factional PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), aligned with the Makinde camp, had taken the first steps to ease tensions and reopen communication, following the intervention of the Board of Trustees led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.
“In obedience to the advisory of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, the Board of Trustees constituted a high-powered committee to interface with our estranged party members,” Turaki said.
As an initial show of good faith, the NWC postponed key meetings of the National Executive Committee and National Caucus and toned down its public messaging.But the party said it did not get the same response in return, pointing instead to ‘weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric’ and ‘derogatory statements’.
Still, Turaki said a shift has now occurred.“I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution,” he said.He appealed directly to supporters nationwide to lower tensions, warning that careless words or actions could undo the fragile progress.
Even with talks underway, the legal fight is far from over. Cases remain active in several courts, including the Court of Appeal, a reminder of how deep the divisions run.
Still, the party signalled it is ready to abandon that route entirely if a political deal is reached.“As soon as we reach agreeable terms, we will willingly withdraw all cases, whether at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or elsewhere, to give peace a chance,” he said.
Turaki also moved to reassure anxious aspirants, many of whom have been watching the crisis unfold with growing concern.“To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that our party will field candidates for all elective offices,” he said.
Turaki made it clear that compromise will be unavoidable and that the party is prepared to go the distance to hold itself together.“We are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow… PDP will not die,” he said.
He also hinted at internal resistance to the peace process, suggesting that some individuals had been working against reconciliation from within, but said those issues are now being confronted.“From last night, these two elements have been identified and flushed out,” he said.
Beyond the immediate crisis, the PDP used the moment to restate its place in Nigeria’s political landscape, positioning itself as a central opposition force with a duty to hold government accountable.“As Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy,” he said.
He also sent a broader message to those in power, stressing that leadership must reflect the will of the people.“Ultimate power resides with the people; it must therefore remain the centrepiece of governance,” he said.
In a show of internal alignment, the Turaki-led NWC passed a vote of confidence on Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, praising their roles during the crisis.The party also thanked Nigerians who continue to register through its online platform, saying support remains steady despite recent turbulence.
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