A pressure group within the Osun State chapter of Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to intervene in an escalating leadership crisis that it claims threatens the party’s survival in the state.
The Reset Group of Osun PDP made the appeal in a letter to the National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Abdulrahaman Mohammed, with a copy to Minister Wike. The group’s president, Akinwale Oyetunde, and secretary, Adeyeye Olugbenga, alleged that the State Working Committee (SWC), led by Sunday Bisi, is actively weakening the party and pushing members toward rival political platforms.
Central to their complaint is the SWC’s reported endorsement of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is running for re-election in the August 15 poll under the Accord Party banner. The group asserted this endorsement occurred without the approval of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC). They further claimed the state leadership has directed PDP members to register with the Accord Party and has orchestrated plans to block any PDP aspirants from contesting elections under the party’s logo.
The crisis intensified, the letter stated, following a state party convention held in Ibadan that was later nullified by a court. The group argued the subsequent decisions by the SWC have exacerbated the situation. They warned that without urgent national intervention, the PDP’s political relevance in Osun State could collapse before the 2027 general elections.
Consequently, the Reset Group urged the national leadership, with Wike’s influence, to dissolve the current Osun State executive council and install a caretaker committee. They contended such a committee would enable a fair contest for aspirants free from alleged interference.
This appeal highlights a deepening factional dispute over control of the Osun PDP. Earlier, a national faction aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced the dissolution of the Bisi-led SWC and replaced it with a caretaker committee headed by Tunde Tijani. However, the Bisi-led committee has rejected that move, maintaining its mandate is legitimate. In a statement, the SWC dismissed external interventions, saying “no amount of external pressure, unlawful national posturing, or recycled intimidation can invalidate a structure that derives its legitimacy from due process.” The committee has urged party members to remain calm.
The standoff underscores the PDP’s internal challenges as it prepares for future elections, with the Osun State structure becoming a focal point of contention between powerful national factions. The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact the party’s strategy in the southwest region.
