The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared an end to its prolonged internal crises, with key figures asserting a renewed sense of unity following the party's 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Abubakar Kawu Baraje, the former National Chairman, stated in an interview with ARISE NEWS that the party has put its disputes behind it, emphasizing that leaders and members have resolved their differences to provide credible leadership and an alternative vision for Nigeria. He acknowledged that internal challenges had long plagued the party but stressed that these issues were now being actively addressed.

Similarly, former Senate President Bukola Saraki echoed this sentiment after the NEC meeting, declaring “no victor and no vanquished.” Saraki described the outcome as a win for both the party and Nigeria’s democracy, highlighting that a vibrant opposition is crucial for democratic health. Despite a disruption by police operatives on the eve of the meeting, party leaders convened as scheduled and chose peace and unity over division. The leaders resolved to set aside differences, rebuild trust, and pursue a common goal of progress for the party and the nation.

A significant resolution from the 100th NEC meeting was the unanimous reinstatement of Senator Sam Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, a decision endorsed by all levels of party leadership. Baraje clarified that unity was prioritized to keep the PDP strong and present a viable alternative to Nigerians, dismissing fears of the party's disintegration and stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to become a one-party state. He also noted that disciplinary issues remain internal matters for the party.

However, alongside this narrative of internal cohesion, a different challenge has emerged. Kola Ologbondiyan, a former spokesperson for the PDP, has alleged that governors elected on the party’s platform are being systematically harassed and coerced into defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Ologbondiyan claimed this is a deliberate strategy by the APC to weaken the opposition, asserting that defections are not solely due to internal PDP dissatisfaction.

The political situation in Rivers State was cited as a prime example of this alleged coercion. A recent reconciliation meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu between suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, which ended in a truce, has raised questions. This meeting followed a period of intense political feud that had led to President Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly. Although Tinubu cited security threats and pipeline vandalism as justifications, the Supreme Court had also criticized Fubara’s conduct, including the demolition of the Assembly complex.

Presidency sources confirm that President Tinubu is preparing to reinstate Fubara and the State House of Assembly, but reportedly with conditions that significantly reduce Fubara’s influence. These conditions include Fubara forgoing a second term bid in 2027 and surrendering control of local government administration to Wike’s political network. In return, impeachment proceedings against Fubara would be dropped, pro-Wike lawmakers reinstated, and Fubara would pay all outstanding entitlements. His key political platforms, such as the “Simplified Movement,” are also to be dissolved. While Fubara and Wike publicly affirmed the peace deal, Ologbondiyan insists that such developments are part of a broader effort to dismantle the opposition, warning that if unchecked, Nigeria risks losing its multi-party democracy. The defections of Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to the APC, which they attributed to internal party disunity, further highlight the complex challenges facing the PDP.

Despite these external pressures, PDP leaders like Saraki and Baraje remain optimistic. Saraki emphasized the party’s determination to be a strong opposition capable of winning the next general election. Baraje urged the media to understand the PDP’s genuine efforts to galvanize an alternative for Nigerians, assuring that ongoing actions are being taken to reassure members who demonstrated the spirit of 'give and take'. The party remains focused on upholding its role as the most formidable opposition in the country and providing good governance to Nigerians.