IBADAN — The warring factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have signaled a sudden ceasefire in their months-long leadership tussle, following a stern “family affair” advisory from the Court of Appeal in Ibadan.
The two main blocs—one loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the other aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde—told the court on Friday that they are finally ready to sit at the table and resolve the crisis that has paralyzed the nation’s main opposition party.
The shift in tone came during a high-stakes session presided over by Justice Biobele Georgewill, who described the legal battle as a “family affair gone sour.” The Justice urged the legal teams of both factions to prioritize the survival of the party over judicial victories.
“The court is directing both sides to meet with their lawyers and agree on terms of settlement,” Georgewill stated, adding that any consensus reached by the parties would be adopted as the court’s final judgment.
The legal deadlock stems from the party’s controversial November 2025 National Convention in Ibadan. The Wike-backed faction, led by Caretaker Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, had previously secured a Federal High Court judgment invalidating the exercise. Conversely, the Makinde-led camp, headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), obtained a separate ruling from an Oyo State High Court validating the convention and Turaki’s election as National Chairman.
While the “peace talk” signals a breakthrough, insiders remain cautious. Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the Turaki-led faction, noted that while they are “not averse to reconciliation,” any settlement must be “principled” to ensure the party is battle-ready for the 2027 general elections.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the matter until March 11, 2026, giving both camps a narrow window to present a unified front or face a definitive, and potentially bruising, judicial ruling.
