The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a critical turn, with signs now pointing to a growing rebellion against the faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Previously seen as the dominant force within the party, the Wike-led camp is increasingly viewed by many within the PDP as the source of the chaos threatening the unity and survival of Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
Amid the escalating crisis, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken a bold step by initiating coalition talks aimed at reviving the PDP. This move appears to have unsettled Wike’s loyalists, forcing them to reassess their strategy.
David Mark Emerges as Symbol of Stability in PDP Rebuilding Effort
In a significant development, former Senate President David Mark has been named the interim chairman of the emerging coalition. Mark, a respected party elder and founding member, is seen as a stabilizing figure capable of uniting disillusioned PDP members.
At a press conference held Tuesday in Abuja, the coalition leaders issued a passionate appeal to PDP stakeholders to resist what they described as the “unrestrained rascality” of the Wike-aligned camp and embrace the coalition.
Prominent figures backing the new coalition include:
Atiku Abubakar (Former Vice President)
Sule Lamido (Former Jigawa Governor)
Aminu Tambuwal (Former Sokoto Governor)
Liyel Imoke (Former Cross River Governor)
Uche Secondus (Former PDP National Chairman)
Babangida Aliyu (Former Niger Governor)
Sam Egwu (Former Ebonyi Governor)
Wike Camp Rattled as Coalition Talks Trigger Internal Reactions
With the momentum shifting rapidly, the Wike faction is reportedly reconsidering its confrontational tactics. Sources indicate the camp is recalibrating its political strategy as fears of mass defection mount.
Earlier, Wike’s group had forcefully opposed the scheduled May 30 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, going as far as deploying armed police to blockade the PDP national secretariat. This dramatic action prevented leaders from accessing the venue, prompting many including members of the Board of Trustees (BoT)—to seek alternative meeting locations.
In a last-minute twist, the NEC meeting eventually held, albeit hours behind schedule. However, the damage to the party’s image and internal cohesion was already done.
“Peace of the Graveyard”: Stakeholders Warn of Irreparable Collapse
A high-level PDP source told THE WHISTLER on Wednesday that the security blockade and the current state of party affairs have triggered serious concerns among governors and key figures.
“That police blockade was the final straw. It showed us that anything—even the most absurd—is possible under the current leadership. Many of us started rethinking our loyalty to the party,” the source said.
“This is no longer a functioning political party—it’s broken beyond repair. The so-called peace is just the peace of the graveyard. Only a political miracle can stop a mass defection to the coalition.”
Panic at Wadata Plaza: National Secretary Calls Emergency NWC Meeting
In a clear sign of anxiety, PDP’s embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, hastily announced a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting slated for 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Media were invited to the session, seen by analysts as a public relations move to stem the tide of dissatisfaction.
As of the time of filing this report, the NWC meeting was about to begin.
