LAGOS — A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has ruled out supporting the re-election bid of Bola Tinubu in 2027, deepening internal divisions within the opposition party ahead of its national convention scheduled for Sunday in Abuja.
The disagreement reflects a broader split between two camps in the party. While the group aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, is seen as sympathetic to Tinubu’s second-term ambition under the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Turaki camp—backed by Seyi Makinde—has rejected any such endorsement.
Factional National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong described it as “improper” for the PDP to support a candidate from another party, insisting the opposition must remain independent and field candidates for all elective offices in line with its constitution. He added that ongoing reconciliation talks could lead to the withdrawal of court cases once agreements are reached.
Despite the disagreement over Tinubu’s candidacy, leaders across the party say efforts to unify the PDP are ongoing. Party elders including Olabode George and former Senate President Bukola Saraki said there was “no going back” on reconciliation, stressing the need to stabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
George warned against weakening opposition politics in Nigeria, saying attempts to tilt the country toward a one-party system would be harmful to democracy. He attributed the crisis largely to personal ambition but expressed confidence it would not destroy the party.
Meanwhile, the Wike-backed leadership maintained that the PDP would field a presidential candidate in 2027 and proceed with primaries after the convention. A senior figure in the camp said preparations for the convention were advanced, with committees already coordinating logistics at the planned venue.
Saraki also emphasised the importance of ensuring the party remains a viable platform for aspirants, stating that the immediate priority was to hold a convention recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said consultations were ongoing to keep the party united and competitive.
In Ilorin, leaders and stakeholders of the PDP in Kwara State resolved to participate in the convention, saying its outcome would shape their next political steps ahead of the 2027 elections. They reaffirmed confidence in the party’s popularity in the state and pledged to review their position after the exercise.
Separately, analysts and stakeholders warned that rising geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran could worsen inflationary pressures in Nigeria’s petroleum-dependent economy. They urged the Federal Government to strengthen domestic refining capacity, including partnerships with the Dangote Refinery, expand social protection measures, and accelerate economic diversification to cushion future shocks.
