The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently grappling with a profound internal crisis, which has led to a split into two distinct factions following its November National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State. This significant division has been further exacerbated by a series of recent judicial outcomes, which have, in turn, intensified calls for urgent and comprehensive reconciliation from various stakeholders within the party.

A former presidential aspirant, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, offered a positive outlook on the situation during a live interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’. He indicated that both factions of the PDP have expressed a readiness for reconciliation, a crucial development considering the recent judgment by the Appeal Court that dismissed the Taminu Turaki-led faction. Prior to this, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had affirmed a judgment from the Federal High Court, Abuja, dated October 31, 2025, which legally restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the results of the 2025 National Convention of the PDP. Olawepo-Hashim underscored the consensus among both parties that prolonged legal disputes at the apex court would ultimately harm the party, thereby emphasizing the immediate necessity for an agreement and expressing optimism about the ongoing reconciliation discussions among various groups.

In a concerted effort to address the escalating crisis, both factions of the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) convened separate meetings, each conveying a collective desire for peace and unity. The Expanded Emergency Meeting of the BoT, under the leadership of former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, concluded with a resolution to implement specific measures aimed at reconciling the warring parties. This faction, following a two-day meeting in Abuja, publicly disagreed with the Court of Appeal’s judgment that invalidated the National Convention held from November 15th to 16th, 2025, which had initially produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee. Nevertheless, they acknowledged and resolved to “explore the window provided by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division for reconciliation within the party,” while simultaneously awaiting further legal advice. Senator Wabara specifically highlighted the BoT’s awareness of the aspirations of party members who intend to contest various positions in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Concurrently, the BoT associated with the Nyesom Wike-led faction, chaired by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, also convened and unequivocally declared its readiness to cease all ongoing legal battles in favor of a reconciliation process. This particular faction originated from the dissatisfaction expressed by the Federal Capital Territory minister, Nyesom Wike, and his allies regarding the November convention, leading to the formation of their own National Caretaker Committee. Speaking during the 86th meeting of the Senator Mao Ohuabunwa-led Board of Trustees, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, implored members to put aside their differences, framing recent judicial outcomes as a definitive signal for unity. Senator Ohuabunwa, who presided over the meeting, outlined the party’s strategic roadmap for the coming weeks, which includes state congresses scheduled for the upcoming weekend and a National Convention slated for March 29th and 30th. He reiterated the critical importance of these congresses for revitalizing the party's legitimacy and overall vitality, and reaffirmed the legality and authority of the National Caretaker Committee led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, citing support from recent Court of Appeal judgments.

The twin declarations from both BoT factions, coupled with Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim’s observations, clearly indicate a growing and crucial consensus within the PDP: reconciliation is paramount for the party's continued existence and future viability. This collective emphasis on resolving legal disputes and concentrating on internal restructuring through meticulously planned congresses and a national convention signifies a strategic and necessary shift towards rebuilding unity and effectively preparing for the significant electoral challenges that lie ahead.