The crisis within Nigeria’s opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), continues to deepen as new alliances emerge among key political figures. The Jigawa State chapter of the party has openly declared its alignment with former governor Sule Lamido and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. According to the state’s PDP spokesperson, Umar Kyari, this alignment is based on what they consider a commitment to justice and adherence to legal processes.
The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership tussle, with multiple factions contesting authority within the party. Lamido’s recent decision to support Wike’s faction has drawn attention, particularly because he had previously been one of Wike’s vocal critics. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Lamido explained that resolving the party’s internal conflict requires stakeholders to accept the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed. He argued that since the committee has been recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it represents a legitimate pathway toward restoring order and unity within the party.
Kyari reinforced this position by emphasizing the legal necessity of establishing a caretaker committee following the expiration of the previous leadership’s tenure. He noted that failure to do so would have left the party without a functional structure. According to him, Wike anticipated the legal implications of the leadership vacuum, a stance that has now been validated by a court ruling affirming the committee’s legitimacy.
Kyari also took a swipe at certain PDP governors who had opposed Lamido’s earlier ambitions within the party, pointing out that many of them have since defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This wave of defections has further weakened the PDP’s internal cohesion.
As part of efforts to resolve the crisis, the PDP is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting on March 29. The outcome of this meeting is expected to play a significant role in determining whether the party can reconcile its factions and rebuild ahead of the 2027 general elections.
