The crisis within Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party deepened on Tuesday, triggering fresh political tensions. However, PDP governors quickly distanced themselves from a controversial consensus leadership arrangement. The move followed endorsements by a faction aligned with Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Abdulrahman Mohammed emerged as consensus candidates for key positions. Specifically, they secured nominations for National Secretary and National Chairman, respectively. Notably, the Wike-backed faction strongly supported their emergence ahead of the convention.
In contrast, senior PDP members aligned with the governors rejected the process entirely. Therefore, they insisted on pursuing legal action to challenge the decisions. Sources revealed they would explore all legal avenues to overturn the outcome.
Furthermore, insiders within the Wike-backed caretaker committee confirmed broad regional agreement on candidates. According to them, all geopolitical zones endorsed the consensus arrangement before the convention. This development intensified the internal divisions already affecting the party.
Previously, the PDP split into two factions after nearly a year of internal disputes. Consequently, the governors’ camp conducted a separate convention in Ibadan last November. During that event, Tanimu Turaki and other officials emerged as National Working Committee members.
However, the Wike-led faction later established a caretaker committee to oversee party affairs temporarily. Subsequently, legal battles followed, culminating in a Court of Appeal ruling. The court nullified the Ibadan convention, citing violations of electoral and constitutional provisions.
Although reconciliation talks briefly raised hopes, tensions have resurfaced. Ultimately, disagreements over the convention process continue to stall lasting peace efforts within the PDP.
