PDP Crisis Deepens as Rival Factions Present Separate Candidates for 2027 Elections
The leadership crisis in Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Wednesday as rival factions separately announced different candidates for the 2027 general elections, further exposing the party’s internal divisions.
Both camps claimed legitimacy and each presented certificates of return and nomination documents to their respective candidates, insisting they are the authentic leadership of the party.
Each faction also expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would eventually recognize its list of candidates for the polls.
One bloc, aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held a separate gathering in Abuja where it presented its own set of candidates.
The group insisted it represents the valid structure of the party and is best positioned to secure electoral victory in 2027.
Another faction, operating under an interim arrangement led by Tanimu Turaki, also conducted its own event in Abuja, unveiling a different list of candidates and mobilising supporters ahead of the elections.
At the PDP’s 109th National Executive Committee meeting, Wike urged party members to focus on rebuilding strength and working toward reclaiming power.
He stressed that electoral success, in his view, depends on discipline, strong organisation, and effective grassroots mobilisation rather than internal disputes.
Wike also expressed confidence that INEC would ultimately accept his faction’s authority once it begins issuing access codes for political parties to upload their candidates.
The competing announcements highlight the continuing power struggle within the PDP, raising fresh questions about unity and preparedness as the 2027 elections approach.
