A fresh leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has exposed growing questions about who controls the party’s structures and decision-making processes ahead of the 2027 general elections. The disagreement came to the fore after a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected plans by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate in Abuja.
The development highlights an escalating battle over legitimacy within the opposition party. While the Wike-aligned group insists that all PDP primary elections, including the presidential contest, have already been concluded in line with electoral guidelines, the Turaki faction maintains that its planned gathering remains valid and will proceed as scheduled.
In a statement released on Friday, the Wike-backed PDP leadership described reports of a convention to affirm Jonathan’s candidacy as unauthorised and misleading. The group said no recognised organ of the party had approved such a meeting and urged members and supporters to disregard information suggesting otherwise. It also called on former President Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the planned event in order to preserve the integrity of the party’s constitutional processes.
The disagreement widened after the Turaki faction responded by reaffirming its commitment to holding the ratification ceremony on Saturday at an event centre in Wuse 2, Abuja. According to the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, necessary arrangements had been completed, including payment for the venue and notification of security agencies. He argued that no individual or public official has the legal authority to determine which political gatherings may take place.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the Federal Capital Territory Administration issued a warning to owners of event centres, hotels and similar facilities. In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, venue operators were advised to verify the legal status of organisations seeking to use their premises, particularly during the political season. The administration warned that failure to comply with the directive could attract sanctions, including the revocation of land titles.
The latest exchange underscores the broader governance challenge facing the PDP as rival blocs continue to contest authority within the party. With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the outcome of the dispute could shape internal cohesion, influence stakeholder confidence and determine how effectively the party presents itself as a united opposition platform in the months ahead.
