High-Stakes Meeting: Wike, Bauchi Gov Step In To Resolve PDP Power Struggle

Sources within the party disclosed that both factions resumed dialogue on Tuesday night in a renewed push to restore unity ahead of the planned national convention.

The move comes amid growing fears that the prolonged internal rift could weaken the party’s chances in future elections.

Findings indicate that the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Tanimu Turaki and the rival National Caretaker Committee (NCC) have reopened reconciliation talks.

The Turaki-led NWC is backed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, while the caretaker committee has the support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The crisis escalated after the PDP national convention held in Ibadan last November, where Turaki emerged as leader of a new NWC.

However, allies of Wike rejected the outcome and set up a 13-member caretaker committee headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed to oversee party affairs pending another convention.

The situation was further complicated by court rulings. On March 9, the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified the Ibadan convention, upholding an earlier Federal High Court judgment that had restrained the party from holding the exercise.

In a separate ruling, the Court of Appeal in Ibadan urged parties involved in the dispute over the caretaker committee to seek an amicable resolution.

Following an expanded meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees, Chairman Adolphus Wabara stated that party leaders were open to settling the dispute outside the courts.

Despite ongoing reconciliation calls, the caretaker committee insisted that preparations for its proposed national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 would continue, a stance that has sustained tensions between both sides.

Party insiders confirmed that discussions have now resumed, with both camps agreeing to set up a team to address contentious issues directly, without intermediaries.

Sources said the decision followed concerns that some individuals initially expected to mediate were instead worsening the crisis.

Another insider revealed that the renewed peace efforts were triggered by direct communication between Wike and Governor Bala Mohammed, with both leaders expected to meet to explore possible solutions.

“Yes, it is true. Both sides have started talking. Bala has reached out to the FCT minister and they are meeting to discuss how to resolve the issues,” the source said.

Turaki, speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, confirmed the renewed dialogue and urged supporters to avoid actions that could disrupt the process.

“I can confirm that leaders on both sides have begun engaging and are exploring different options for a lasting resolution,” he said.

He called on party members to tone down inflammatory remarks to give peace a chance, adding that his faction is willing to make concessions to restore unity.

“We believe we can still work together. There are times for conflict and times for peace. If peace can be achieved without escalation, then it should be embraced,” he stated.

Turaki also noted that some individuals had been working against reconciliation but said they had now been identified.

He further revealed that both factions are prepared to withdraw ongoing court cases once a political agreement is reached, noting that courts often encourage parties to settle disputes out of court where possible.