BAUCHI, Nigeria — Senior political figures in Nigeria held high-level discussions in the northern states of Bauchi and Kano on Sunday, March 22, 2026, as the primary opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), faces a widening internal rift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, met privately with Senator Seriake Dickson. Dickson, a former governor, currently represents the Bayelsa West district in the National Assembly. Following their meeting in Bauchi, the group traveled to Kano State to meet with Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and a former presidential candidate. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), was also present at the gathering in Kano.
While the meeting was publicly described as a visit for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, sources familiar with the discussions suggest the talks were centered on political realignments for the 2027 presidential race. This comes as the PDP remains split into two factions: one supported by the governors and another loyal to Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Okay News reports that the legal battle over the party’s leadership has reached a critical stage. On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Court of Appeal nullified a previous convention held in Ibadan, which had elected Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the National Chairman. The court ruled that the process violated the Electoral Act and the party’s own constitution. In response, the faction loyal to Wike has scheduled a new national convention for Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30, 2026.
Governor Makinde has openly criticized the Wike-led bloc, suggesting that their actions favor the ruling party. “I came into the public domain to state that I was in a meeting with Wike and Mr President, and he promised to hold the PDP for Mr President in 2027. So, anyone dealing with Wike and his group in any guise means you have also agreed to support President Tinubu for 2027,” Makinde stated.
However, Governor Mohammed maintained a more conciliatory tone, noting that “there are no irreconcilable issues in Nigeria, especially within the political and national space.”
As the March 29 convention date approaches, the Wike-backed National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, accused the opposing camp of attempting to secure court injunctions to stop the event. Meanwhile, Ini Ememobong, the spokesperson for the Turaki-led group, dismissed these claims as “blackmail,” asserting that they remain open to dialogue despite the ongoing friction.
