PDP Crisis Worsens as Makinde Camp Regroups, Ortom and Fayose Back Wike

The internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as former governors Samuel Ortom and Ayo Fayose openly declared support for the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Their endorsement of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction came amid renewed moves by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his allies to rally support and counter Wike’s growing influence ahead of the party’s national convention.

The PDP, already divided over control of structures and leadership roles, suffered a further setback last week when the Federal High Court in Abuja halted preparations for its convention scheduled for mid-November, pending compliance with its constitution and electoral guidelines.

In the aftermath, the Damagum-led NWC suspended several top party officials, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, for alleged anti-party activities. The rival camp, however, retaliated by suspending Damagum and others over alleged financial improprieties.

Reacting to the situation, Ortom blamed the leadership for neglecting calls for reconciliation and inclusivity, warning that continued internal strife could cripple the opposition party.

Fayose, in a separate statement, described the Damagum-led leadership as “undertakers,” saying the emergence of Abdulrahman Mohammed offers a lifeline for the party’s revival.

“Damagum’s era is over; his leadership brought confusion and disunity,” Fayose said. “We will support Abdulrahman to rebuild and restore the PDP’s relevance.”

Meanwhile, sources within the Makinde camp confirmed that consultations are ongoing to appeal the court ruling and sustain plans for the convention.

Some party chieftains, including former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, have described the court injunction as part of a broader attempt to weaken the opposition and erode multiparty democracy in Nigeria.

In Osun State, Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi, who recently joined the APC, declared that the PDP had “abandoned itself” and commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, predicting that they would yield long-term benefits.