Power Struggle Between Makinde and Wike Threatens PDP’s Stability Ahead of NEC Meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is engulfed in a fierce power struggle between factions loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, jeopardizing the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025.

On Sunday, Wike publicly withdrew from reconciliation efforts, accusing Makinde and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah of orchestrating the party’s crisis. In a statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” Wike decried the “dishonesty and lack of trust amongst its key stakeholders” that have plagued the party since the 2023 elections.

He detailed how agreements reached during mediation meetings, including the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, were violated by Makinde and Mbah’s faction. Wike alleged that Makinde engineered moves to replace Anyanwu and disrupt official party communications, leading to aborted zonal congresses and internal confusion.

The PDP’s Board of Trustees has called an emergency meeting on Monday, May 26, in Abuja to deliberate on the crisis. Sources revealed that the Saraki-led reconciliation committee held an urgent meeting Sunday night to attempt a resolution.

The party’s internal conflicts trace back to post-2023 election disputes involving Rivers State politics, zonal congresses, and leadership contests. Despite efforts by the National Working Committee, NEC, and Governors’ Forum, divisions have deepened, delaying critical party decisions.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki expressed optimism that the reconciliation process would continue, emphasizing the PDP’s role as Nigeria’s last major opposition party and warning against its collapse.

Reactions from PDP state chapters have been mixed, with some condemning Wike’s actions as harmful to the party and others accusing him of covertly supporting the ruling APC. The upcoming NEC meeting’s fate remains uncertain, with both factions determined to assert control.