The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from a recent meeting between the Taminu Turaki-led faction and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the engagement as unauthorised and unrepresentative of the party’s official stance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Jungudo Mohammed, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, said the meeting was conducted without the party’s approval. He stressed that the PDP had not entered into any formal or informal discussions with the ADC or its representatives, and that those who participated did so in their personal capacities.
Mohammed urged party members and the public to disregard any claims linking the PDP to the meeting, calling them baseless and misleading. He reiterated that the party’s leadership remains focused on its internal processes, particularly the preparations for upcoming primaries, with timelines and guidelines expected to be communicated in due course.
“The party remains focused on its internal processes and its commitment to credible leadership for Nigerians,” Mohammed said.
The meeting in question, held earlier on Wednesday, was described by the Turaki-led faction as a solidarity visit in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. It lasted approximately two hours, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and centred on national developments and the prospects of inter-party cooperation.
Among those present were prominent political figures including former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and members of the PDP National Working Committee. Also attending were former governors Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rotimi Amaechi. On the ADC side, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, and other senior figures participated in the deliberations.
The rift between the Turaki and Wike factions reflects ongoing internal divisions within the PDP, which have complicated the party’s cohesion ahead of future electoral contests. The Wike-backed group has consistently sought to assert its authority over party communications and decision-making, particularly in the lead-up to key political milestones.
