Factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, have intensified efforts to secure alternative political platforms amid uncertainty surrounding the party’s ability to field candidates for the 2027 general elections.
These moves follow rising fears that the PDP may be barred from participating in the 2027 elections due to unresolved court cases over the legitimacy of its rival factions. Concerns deepened after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected the PDP’s Ekiti State governorship candidate, Wole Oluyede, for the June 20, 2026 election.
Oluyede emerged from a primary organised by the Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), which is backed by Governors Makinde, Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa). The Turaki-led NWC emerged from the party’s November 2025 convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. The PDP faction loyal to the FCT minister did not conduct a primary for the Ekiti poll.
Both factions continue to claim legitimacy, while INEC insists the party must resolve its internal disputes. The electoral body has also stated that it will not recognise the Turaki-led NWC, citing existing court orders.
INEC explained that it could not update or recognise the PDP leadership list due to ongoing cases at the Federal High Court filed by Austin Nwachukwu and former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.
One of the cases, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, resulted in a judgment suspending the PDP convention until it complies with party rules, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act. The suit was filed by Austin Nwachukwu (PDP Chairman, Imo State), Amah Nnanna (PDP Chairman, Abia State), and Turnah George (PDP Secretary, South-South). The judgment is now under appeal.
Another case was filed by Sule Lamido, following an order by Justice Peter Lifu restraining INEC from recognising any PDP convention that excluded him as a contestant. That matter is also before the Court of Appeal.
Three additional cases, including one at the Oyo State High Court and others at the Federal High Court in Abuja, are still pending.
The two cases before the Court of Appeal are expected to be decisive in determining the party’s leadership.
Confirming the litigations, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led NWC, Ini Ememobong, said the party remained confident of a favourable outcome.
“We have two matters at the Court of Appeal and about three at the Federal High Court, but the most critical ones are those before the appellate court because they are appeals against final judgments,” he said.
“Our optimism is reinforced by consistent Supreme Court rulings that issues relating to party leadership and internal congresses are non-justiciable and outside the jurisdiction of the courts.”
