The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated further following fresh verbal attacks by former Rivers State governor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, against Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The development has intensified concerns over the party’s cohesion as it struggles to reposition itself after recent electoral setbacks.
Wike, a key power broker within the PDP, accused Makinde and Fubara of undermining party unity and pursuing personal political ambitions at the expense of collective interests. His remarks, delivered during a political engagement with supporters, have reignited long-standing divisions between rival factions within the opposition party.
At the heart of the dispute is the unresolved leadership crisis that has plagued the PDP since the 2023 general elections. Despite repeated reconciliation efforts, fault lines remain deeply entrenched between Wike’s camp and other influential blocs aligned with different governors and party elders.
Political observers note that Wike’s criticism of Makinde is particularly significant, given Makinde’s role as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. Wike accused him of failing to provide decisive leadership and allegedly allowing internal dissent to fester.
In Rivers State, the feud between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, continues to polarise party members. What began as a disagreement over political control has evolved into a full-blown confrontation involving state lawmakers, party executives, and national leadership figures.
Wike maintains that Fubara has distanced himself from the political structure that facilitated his emergence, a claim Fubara’s allies strongly deny. Supporters of the governor argue that Rivers State must move beyond godfather politics and focus on governance.
The PDP national leadership has attempted to downplay the latest developments, urging restraint and dialogue. However, insiders admit that the party faces an uphill battle in managing competing interests ahead of future elections.
Analysts warn that prolonged infighting could weaken the PDP’s capacity to function as a credible opposition. With the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) consolidating power at the federal level, opposition unity is seen as critical to democratic balance.
Civil society groups have also expressed concern, noting that political instability within major parties often distracts from policy debates and governance issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
Despite the tensions, some party leaders remain optimistic that internal mechanisms can still resolve the disputes. They point to past crises that the PDP survived, albeit with significant political cost.
As the crisis deepens, attention is turning to whether the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will take firmer action to restore order or allow factional battles to continue unchecked.
