In a development likely to shape the future of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 elections, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the party’s Board of Trustees have endorsed a Court of Appeal-backed reconciliation accord with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’s camp.
Senior party leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity to Punch because they were not authorised to comment on the issue, revealed that the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala, rejected the reconciliation initiative, insisting he could not work with the Wike camp.
Speaking to reporters, Sunday Ibrahim (SAN), representing the other counsel, said the parties have indicated their readiness to reach a settlement.
“On that note, we make no further comment because the same may prejudice the envisioned settlement. The parties involved, during their meetings on settlement, may discuss about the INEC timetable and the rest,” he added.
Party sources with knowledge of the matter disclosed that Makinde and the expanded BoT meeting agreed that both factions should appoint legal teams and senior party leaders to draft the terms of the reconciliation accord and submit them to the Court of Appeal for approval.
He stated, “We have made some progress. Yesterday (Tuesday), after the BoT meeting ended at night, members and leaders of the party, especially the governors and other stakeholders, reconvened around 11pm and had a moment-of-truth conversation among themselves. They told each other the truth about how to preserve the party.
“While Governor Makinde and other critical stakeholders hoped for reconciliation, Governor Bala seems uninterested in reconciling with the Wike-aligned camp. He expressed his view that they are not the kind of people he wants to work with. Others are still trying to persuade him to see the importance of reconciliation.
“That is why he (Bala) did not attend today’s (Wednesday) expanded BoT meeting. This is because he is aware of the disposition of the BoT members, Governor Makinde and others, who support reconciliation with Wike’s group. So, Governor Bala did not show up because he is not interested in reconciling with the Wike camp for now.”
The source stated that the committee would determine the allocation of positions in the NWC and outline the process for implementation.
He added, “Of course, the BoT forged ahead. Makinde, with the support of other stakeholders in the expanded BoT meeting, agreed on the need for genuine reconciliation with the other party. They recommended that to avoid any breaches of the agreement, both sides should constitute a committee of members, including legal experts and individuals knowledgeable in the law to draft an agreement.
“Whatever understanding and accord the committee reaches will then be submitted to the Court of Appeal. Recall that the Appeal Court in Ibadan had ruled that the parties should seek an out-of-court settlement. The court will review the agreement and rule on it to ensure it is binding on all members.
“Basically, that is the situation for now. In the coming days, members of this committee will be fully unveiled. They will meet to finalise details, agree on positions, and determine how the party will move forward. Soon, the public will see how this process unfolds.”
Another source said the party leaders were hopeful that the Bauchi State Governor would back the reconciliation process and remain in the party.
He stated, “The expanded BoT, including members of the National Working Committee, NEC members, state chairmen, and Governor Makinde have agreed on the need to reconcile both camps. They are working towards reconciliation, but based on what we have gathered and observed, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has expressed reservations about the process.
“He is not keen on reconciling with the Wike group, perhaps because of events that occurred during the crisis. Party members are still trying to persuade him to see the importance of reconciliation. We hope and pray that he reconciles and does not withdraw because of this. Some people are still engaging with him, and as we know, 24 hours is a long time in politics — anything can happen. They are working to convince him to join the other party members in resolving all outstanding issues.
“A committee will be set up to draft an agreement. This agreement will address the process, whether through a caretaker committee or a convention, and outline who gets which positions: chairman, secretary, organising secretary and ensure the protection of party staff. It will also address the party’s fielding of candidates in all positions. Once finalised, the agreement will be submitted to the court to make it binding on all members.”
Punch
