PDP Crisis: Rival Camps Resume Talks To Resolve Leadership Dispute

PDP Crisis: Rival Camps Resume Talks To Resolve Leadership Dispute
Court rulings and rival conventions deepened divisions within party
Leaders signal willingness to compromise and withdraw legal cases

Fresh efforts have begun to resolve the lingering leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party as rival factions reopened dialogue ahead of the party’s planned national convention.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that sources confirmed that discussions resumed on Tuesday night between the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee and the opposing National Caretaker Committee, in a renewed push to restore unity after months of division.

The crisis, which began after the November convention in Ibadan, deepened when a faction rejected the emergence of the Turaki-led leadership. Loyalists of Nyesom Wike subsequently set up a caretaker committee headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed, while the Turaki-led camp retained the backing of governors including Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde.

Court rulings further complicated the dispute. On March 9, the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified the Ibadan convention, upholding an earlier Federal High Court judgment that restrained the party from conducting the exercise. Another ruling in Ibadan also advised both sides to pursue an amicable resolution.

Despite reconciliation calls, disagreements persisted as the caretaker committee continued preparations for its proposed convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

However, multiple party insiders confirmed that both camps have now agreed to resume direct negotiations. A source said the decision to engage without intermediaries followed concerns that earlier peace efforts had been undermined by internal divisions.

Another source disclosed that the renewed talks were initiated after contact between Wike and Bala Mohammed, with both leaders expected to meet to discuss a possible resolution.

Speaking on the development, Turaki confirmed that discussions had commenced and urged supporters to avoid actions that could derail the process.

“I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution,” he said.

Turaki added that both camps were willing to make concessions and may withdraw ongoing legal cases if a political agreement is reached.