The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing one of its most serious internal crises in recent years, with rival factions locked in a bitter struggle for control.
The dispute primarily pits supporters of Nyesom Wike against followers of Seyi Makinde, with each side rejecting the legitimacy of the other’s leadership decisions.
Legal battles have compounded the tensions, with conflicting court orders halting national conventions and creating uncertainty over which party organs are truly in charge.
The leadership wrangling has led to parallel meetings, expulsion notices issued by competing factions, and growing mistrust among party members.
Observers say the crisis is fueled by ambition and personal interests, as party leaders prioritize factional gain over unity.
Structural issues, including irregularities in primaries, weak internal democracy, and failure to follow agreed-upon power-sharing arrangements, have intensified the problem.
The fallout has been significant: defections of governors and lawmakers, disruptions at the party secretariat, and doubts over the party’s ability to conduct credible primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
PDP insiders describe the crisis as largely self-inflicted, citing internal betrayal and disregard for party rules as the root causes.
As the party struggles to reconcile its differences, analysts warn that the rift could weaken its chances in the next general elections unless immediate reforms are implemented.