Wike And Bauchi Governor Meet As PDP Factions Move To End Party Crisis

According to Ireporter Online, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has embarked on renewed efforts to resolve a leadership dispute that has divided the party since November last year. Sources within the party revealed that discussions between the rival factions resumed on Tuesday night, signaling a commitment to restoring unity ahead of the planned national convention.

The ongoing crisis, which followed the PDP national convention in Ibadan, has raised concerns about the party’s readiness for upcoming elections. The Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), supported by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and the caretaker committee backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have commenced direct reconciliation talks.

The conflict escalated after loyalists of Wike rejected the outcome of the November convention and formed a 13-member caretaker committee headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed. Judicial rulings further complicated the crisis, with the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullifying the Ibadan convention and the Court of Appeal in Ibadan urging both sides to pursue an amicable settlement.

Following an expanded meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees, Chairman Adolphus Wabara emphasized that party leaders are committed to resolving the dispute outside the courts. Sources confirmed that both camps agreed to establish a team to address contentious issues directly, following concerns that earlier mediators had exacerbated tensions.

The renewed dialogue reportedly stems from direct communication between Wike and Governor Bala Mohammed, with a face-to-face meeting expected to explore possible solutions. Speaking on Tuesday, Turaki confirmed that fresh reconciliation discussions are underway and called on supporters to avoid inflammatory actions that could undermine the process.

He stated that his faction is willing to make concessions to restore unity and noted that both camps are prepared to withdraw ongoing legal cases once a political settlement is reached. Turaki stressed the importance of prioritizing peace over prolonged conflict, signaling cautious optimism for a resolution within the party.