Makinde group urges Wike allies to return to ‘PDP mainstream’
Political Group Urges Faction to Rejoin Mainstream PDP
LAGOS — The Seyi Makinde Disciples, a political support group, is calling on members of a factional caretaker committee associated with Minister Nyesom Wike to rejoin the main leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr. Laja Adeoye, the group’s convener, made the appeal Thursday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria. He emphasized that the party remains open to reconciliation and expressed hope for a resolution to the ongoing leadership crisis.
Adeoye urged the members of the caretaker committee, led by Mohammed Abdurahman and Senator Samuel Nwanyanwu, to embrace unity and reintegrate into the party structure as defined by its constitution.
“The PDP remains a big family with room for everyone,” Adeoye stated. He noted that the National Caretaker Committee lacks recognition under both the law and the party’s constitution, a position he reinforced.
“The Wike camp now has the opportunity to return home. The PDP is opening its doors to suspended national officers willing to reintegrate,” he added. He underscored that reconciliation efforts would succeed if former members return with remorse and a commitment to collaboration.
Adeoye pointed to a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Ibadan as a catalyst for renewed dialogue among party leaders. The court urged all parties involved to accommodate each other, offering a positive perspective for the party’s future.
“The Appeal Court indirectly set aside actions taken by some suspended members of the National Working Committee, including the formation of a caretaker committee,” he explained.
He emphasized that this development should foster reconciliation among members rather than deepen existing divisions. Adeoye expressed that unity among leaders such as Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed is crucial for rebuilding the party ahead of future elections.
The party is committed to strengthening its opposition role and mobilizing Nigerians in preparation for the 2027 general elections, he said.
In comments regarding Lagos politics, Adeoye mentioned that the PDP is intensifying efforts to regain political control in the state. “The time has come for leadership that will make the state’s wealth work for the common people. The PDP will return Lagos to its residents,” he asserted, critiquing the current APC-led government for failing to provide adequate accountability.
Adeoye expressed confidence that with unity among leaders and active voter support, the party can reposition itself for a strong electoral challenge.
On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal upheld a prior ruling from Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which invalidated the PDP’s national convention held in November 2025 in Ibadan. This convention had led to the establishment of a Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, which the court deemed invalid. The court also upheld the suspension of three principal officers, including National Secretary Nwanyanwu, linked to the faction aligned with Wike.
