…Ememobong described it as “improper” for an opposition party like the PDP to endorse a presidential candidate from another party.
LAGOS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amid intensifying reconciliation efforts ahead of Sunday’s National Convention, has seen its Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction declare that it will not support the 2027 re-election bid of Bola Tinubu.
Backing for Tinubu, who is expected to contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains a major source of division within the PDP, splitting the party into rival camps.
While the group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, supports Tinubu’s second-term ambition, the Turaki faction, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is firmly opposed.
The March 29 National Convention in Abuja is being organised by a National Caretaker Committee supported by Wike’s camp.
Meanwhile, prominent PDP figures, including Olabode George and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, have reaffirmed their commitment to reconciliation, stressing that the party will do everything possible to remain united and field candidates in the 2027 elections.
In Kwara State, party leaders and stakeholders have also resolved to participate in the Abuja convention this weekend.
Speaking during a television interview, factional National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong described it as “improper” for an opposition party like the PDP to endorse a presidential candidate from another party. He explained that ongoing reconciliation talks are aimed at resolving the leadership crisis and may lead to the withdrawal of pending court cases once agreements are reached.
Ememobong added that key stakeholders, including Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, support efforts to ease tensions and sustain the party. He warned that a weakened opposition or a drift toward a one-party system would be harmful to Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that any peace deal must align with the party’s constitution, which mandates contesting all elective positions.
On the reconciliation process, he noted that direct engagement between key actors without mediators could produce a consensus outcome.
On the other hand, the Wike-backed leadership maintains that the PDP will field a presidential candidate in 2027 and plans to proceed with primaries after the convention, in line with the Electoral Act timetable. Despite this, internal disagreements persist, particularly over whether to support Tinubu.
Party sources indicated that another convention may be held within a month to select a presidential flagbearer, but the immediate focus remains concluding the current convention. Preparations are said to be at an advanced stage, with active participation from aspirants and coordination across committees.
Reinforcing calls for unity, Olabode George said the crisis would not destroy the party, attributing tensions to personal ambitions but expressing confidence in ongoing reconciliation efforts. He also cautioned against any move toward a one-party system, describing it as dangerous for the country.
Similarly, Bukola Saraki stressed that the priority is to stabilise the PDP and ensure it remains a viable platform for aspirants, adding that the party must be present on the ballot in 2027.
