Blocs aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have intensified moves to explore alternative political platforms amid uncertainty over candidate nominations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party sources disclosed that the factions are considering the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as possible platforms for PDP aspirants. The move is driven by fears that the party may be unable to field candidates in 2027 due to protracted court cases over the legitimacy of its rival factions.
Concerns deepened following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) rejection of the PDP’s Ekiti State governorship candidate, Wole Oluyede, for the June 20, 2026 election. Oluyede emerged from a primary conducted by the Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), which is aligned with Governors Makinde, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa.
The Turaki-led leadership emerged from the party’s November 2025 convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, a process rejected by the faction loyal to Wike, which did not conduct a primary for the Ekiti poll. Both factions have continued to claim legitimacy, while INEC has insisted that the PDP must resolve its internal crisis. The commission has also stated that it will not recognise the Turaki-led NWC, citing existing court orders arising from cases filed by Austin Nwachukwu and Sule Lamido.
Investigations show that at least five court cases are currently challenging the party’s leadership and future, with two already before the Court of Appeal. One of the cases, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, resulted in a judgment suspending the PDP’s convention until it complies with the party constitution, the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. The suit, filed by Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanna and Turnah George, is now on appeal.
Another case was instituted by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, after a Federal High Court barred INEC from recognising any PDP convention that excluded him as a contestant. That matter is also pending at the Court of Appeal. Three other suits, including one from an Oyo State High Court and others in Abuja, are still being heard at lower courts.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led NWC, Ini Ememobong, confirmed the pending cases and expressed optimism that the party would prevail. He said the most critical matters were those at the Court of Appeal, adding that the PDP was confident of securing favourable judgments.
Amid the uncertainty, Sunday PUNCH gathered that some PDP factions are actively seeking alternatives outside the party. A member of the Turaki-led NWC said discussions were ongoing over a possible alliance with the ADC, warning that the unresolved crisis could prevent the PDP from fielding candidates in 2027.
He said INEC’s decision in Ekiti had shown the commission’s resolve and that steps were being taken to ensure PDP aspirants could contest elections under other platforms if necessary. According to him, talks with ADC leaders were ongoing to avoid leaving candidates stranded.
A senior ADC official confirmed that meetings had taken place with leaders from the Turaki-led PDP faction but said discussions were still at a preliminary stage. ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party remained open to Nigerians willing to join what he described as a rescue mission.
From the Wike-aligned camp, PDP chieftain Timothy Osadolor expressed doubts about the party’s chances in 2027, even if it manages to produce a presidential candidate. He argued that the PDP would need to collaborate with a stronger opposition platform to remain competitive, blaming the party’s crisis on what he described as the arrogance of some governors.
Osadolor ruled out the APC as a viable option but suggested the ADC could emerge as a credible opposition platform capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu if properly structured.
Reacting, APC Director of Information, Bala Ibrahim, said the party had yet to decide whether it would accommodate candidates from the Wike-aligned PDP faction, adding that a decision would be taken after consultations.
However, the National Secretary of the PDP loyal to Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, dismissed reports of negotiations with the APC as speculation, insisting the party would soon resolve its crisis and reunite. He reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and said the FCT minister remained supportive of the party.
Ememobong also rejected fears that the PDP might fail to field candidates in 2027, assuring that the party would not only participate fully in the elections but also produce winning candidates. He expressed confidence that favourable court rulings would compel INEC to recognise the outcomes of the Ibadan convention, while noting that the party remained open to alliances with other opposition groups closer to the polls.