PDP Crisis: Makinde Group Tells Wike Loyalists to Return to Party Leadership

A support group loyal to Seyi Makinde has appealed to members of a faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Nyesom Wike to return to the party’s recognised leadership structure.

The group, known as the Seyi Makinde Disciples, said reconciliation within the opposition party remains possible despite the prolonged leadership dispute that has created factions across the country.

Speaking during an interview in Lagos on Thursday, the convener of the group, Mr. Laja Adeoye, urged members of a caretaker committee backed by Wike to retrace their steps and work with the party’s constitutional leadership.

According to him, the PDP still considers all members part of a larger political family and is ready to welcome back those willing to align with the party’s recognised structure.

Adeoye specifically mentioned the factional committee said to be led by Mohammed Abdurahman and the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Nwanyanwu. He encouraged them to embrace dialogue and unity in order to restore stability within the party.

“We are hopeful that all the issues within the party will soon be put behind us. The PDP remains a big family with room for everyone.

“The National Caretaker Committee is not recognised by the law or the party’s constitution, and that position has been clearly stated.

“The Wike camp now has the opportunity to return home. The PDP is opening its doors to suspended national officers willing to reintegrate.

“If they return with remorse and a willingness to work with others, reconciliation will succeed and the party will move forward,” Adeoye said.

The group said recent judicial developments have also created an opportunity for renewed dialogue among party leaders.

Adeoye noted that a ruling delivered by the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan encouraged aggrieved members of the party to seek common ground rather than deepen divisions.

“The Appeal Court in Ibadan urged all parties to accommodate one another. That is a positive signal for the future of the party,” he said.

He explained that the judgement also weakened actions taken by certain suspended members of the party’s National Working Committee, including moves that led to the creation of a caretaker structure outside the recognised leadership.

According to Adeoye, the moment should be used to rebuild unity among key figures in the party, including Makinde and Bala Mohammed, as the opposition prepares for future political contests.

He added that strengthening internal unity would position the PDP to mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeoye also spoke about the political situation in Lagos, insisting that the party is working to expand its support base and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

“In Lagos State, the time has come for leadership that will make the state’s wealth work for the common people.

“The PDP will return Lagos to its people. The APC-led government has not adequately accounted to residents.

“We will provide transparent leadership and deliver massive development across Lagos State,” Adeoye said.

He expressed confidence that with unity among party leaders and stronger engagement with voters, the opposition party could regain momentum in the state.

Recall that Politics Nigeria earlier reported this week, the Court of Appeal affirmed a previous judgement delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The ruling nullified the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025, which produced a National Working Committee led by Kabiru Turaki and backed by Makinde and Bala Mohammed.

The appellate court also upheld the suspension of three key national officers of the party, including Nwanyanwu, who has been linked to the faction supported by Wike.