Appeal Court Verdict: Bala Mohammed disagree as Makinde, PDP BoT back reconciliation with Wike camp

In a development that could shape the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) have endorsed a Court of Appeal-backed reconciliation process with the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Party sources disclosed that the reconciliation move followed an expanded BoT meeting in Abuja where key stakeholders resolved to pursue an out-of-court settlement of the leadership crisis currently rocking the opposition party.

However, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, reportedly rejected the reconciliation initiative, insisting he could not work with the Wike-aligned camp.

The leadership crisis escalated after the Court of Appeal nullified the outcome of the PDP’s November 15–16, 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, which produced Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

The appellate court ruled that the processes that led to the convention violated provisions of the Electoral Act, the Nigerian Constitution and the PDP Constitution.

Following the ruling, another panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan granted parties involved in the dispute permission to pursue a settlement and adjourned the matter sine die to allow negotiations.

Justice Biobele Georgewill, who presided over the panel, urged all parties to prioritise peace and consider the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reacting to the development, PDP BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, announced that the board had constituted a special committee to engage legal teams and stakeholders in drafting a reconciliation agreement to be submitted to the court.

According to Wabara, the BoT is concerned about the internal disputes within the party and is determined to restore unity and reposition the PDP as a viable opposition platform.

“The Board acknowledges the window provided by the Court of Appeal for reconciliation within the party and is resolved to take immediate steps to reconcile all stakeholders and restore the party to good political health,” he said.

Sources within the party revealed that Governor Makinde and other stakeholders supported the reconciliation plan, recommending the creation of a committee comprising legal experts and party leaders to draft the terms of agreement between both factions.

The proposed agreement is expected to determine the allocation of key positions within the National Working Committee and outline the process for implementing the settlement.

Meanwhile, the Wike-aligned faction has also expressed willingness to reconcile but insisted that the process must be genuine and transparent.

Wike said the PDP crisis was part of a natural political process and emphasised that reconciliation must come with clear proposals.

“For me, what is happening is a natural process that we must pass through. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation,” he said.

The PDP leadership crisis had earlier led to chaos at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and prompted the Nigeria Police Force to seal the premises following clashes between rival factions.

With the 2027 elections approaching, party leaders say reconciliation remains crucial to preserving the PDP’s position as Nigeria’s major opposition party.

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