By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied allegations that it is working to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, insisting the party remains fully committed to its role as Nigeria’s leading opposition force despite deep internal divisions.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, March 23, 2026, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Jungudo Mohammed, dismissed claims of alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and described such rumours as baseless.
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“We will not support the president,” Mohammed declared. “I am appealing to Nigerians to give us a little time. All these rumours that we are supporting APC or that we are an appendage of the APC will come to pass.”
His comments come amid heightened concerns over the PDP’s prolonged leadership crisis, with rival factions one led by Baruwa and backed by Wike, and another associated with former Chairman Iyorchia Ayu and allies continuing to battle for control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Rebuilding Focus & Court Clarity Mohammed acknowledged the party had been in “serious turmoil” but said recent court rulings had clarified leadership disputes and given the caretaker committee a clear mandate to proceed with state congresses and preparations for a national convention.
“Following the Court of Appeal judgment, the leadership issue became very, very clear to Nigerians,” he said. “We have made several invitations to the Turaki-led group to come forward so that we can have a united PDP, but unfortunately, they ignored our invitations.”
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He added that time constraints set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) left the faction with no option but to move forward with congresses in states where court orders permitted. “After proper consultation, we collectively agreed to adopt consensus in accordance with the APC constitution,” he stated, referring to the ongoing congress process.
Defending the legitimacy of the caretaker committee’s actions, Mohammed insisted the process was in full compliance with court directives rather than an attempt to sideline opposing groups.
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“It is not something that we on our own have decided to take over the structures of the party,” he said. “Justice Omotosho directed the party to conduct congresses in about 14 to 16 states before proceeding with the convention.”
He maintained that members of the rival faction were free to participate in the convention and contest all positions. “They are open, they are free to contest for all the offices… it is a democratic process,” Mohammed emphasised. “If you are coming with a genuine mind, nothing stops you.”
Responding to widespread criticism over the perceived influence of Nyesom Wike who serves in President Tinubu’s cabinet while remaining a dominant figure in the PDP Mohammed rejected claims that the FCT Minister controls the party.
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“You need to differentiate the person of the Honourable Minister from the National Working Committee of the party,” he said. “He is not a member of the NWC… the NWC makes and takes decisions on behalf of the party.”
He defended the use of Wike’s residence for some party meetings, citing security concerns following past incidents at the national secretariat.
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On the wave of defections from the PDP, Mohammed blamed internal disagreements among governors rather than Wike’s role. “It is not the fault of the FCT minister that most governors left the party. They had their own reasons,” he said.
Mohammed expressed confidence that once a new National Working Committee emerges from the planned convention, the PDP would regain its voice as a formidable opposition. “Once new executives come into place, you will see a stable PDP and from there we will begin to play our role as the leading opposition party,” he said.
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He appealed to Nigerians for patience, assuring that internal stability must precede effective opposition to the ruling government. “With due respect to Governor Seyi Makinde, I want to call on Nigerians to discountenance every single statement credited to him,” Mohammed added, responding to claims that the faction enjoys the backing of INEC, the judiciary, and the ruling government.
The PDP’s internal crisis continues to dominate national political discourse, with the outcome of its upcoming convention expected to significantly shape its prospects in the 2027 elections.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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