Wike-backed PDP denies supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid
The political landscape in Nigeria remains quite fluid, especially regarding the relationship between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the PDP, and President Tinubu’s 2027 ambitions.
As of March 2026, there are conflicting signals from the different factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Here is the breakdown of the current situation:
The "Denial" and Internal Friction
While some reports suggest a Wike-backed faction has distanced itself from a formal endorsement of Tinubu's re-election, the reality is a bit more nuanced.
Wike’s Stance: Wike himself has been vocal about his support for President Tinubu, recently stating that he would lead the President's 2027 re-election campaign and asserting that he doesn't need a governor to mobilize Rivers State for the APC.
The PDP Factional Denial: Other leaders within the PDP, notably Governor Seyi Makinde and various party "elders," have pushed back. Makinde recently claimed that while Wike has the right to support Tinubu, the rest of the party—including its mainstream leadership —does not share that commitment.
The "Hold the PDP" Controversy: A major point of contention arose when Governor Makinde alleged that Wike promised Tinubu he would "hold the PDP" (effectively neutralizing it as an opposition force) for 2027. Wike has denied these specific allegations, framing his actions as a matter of integrity rather than an attempt to dismantle the party from within.
Current Developments (March 2026)
Convention Plans: The Wike-led faction of the PDP scheduled a national convention for March 2026 to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC). This move is seen by many as an attempt to consolidate power within the party.
Presidential Primaries: Interestingly, reports indicate that the Wike camp is simultaneously preparing for a PDP presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026, suggesting they are still keeping their options open under the PDP banner, despite Wike's personal support for Tinubu.
Judicial Battles: The factional crisis continues to play out in the courts, with Wike recently hailing a Court of Appeal ruling regarding the PDP's leadership structure.
While Nyesom Wike personally remains a staunch ally of President Tinubu, the "Wike-backed" faction of the PDP often finds itself in a strategic dance—denying formal "party" support for a rival candidate to maintain legitimacy within the PDP, even as its leader prepares to campaign for the incumbent.
The legal battle for control of the PDP has reached a critical stage this month. The current situation revolves around a major Court of Appeal ruling in March 2026 that has effectively stripped the mainstream leadership of its legal recognition, handing a significant victory to the faction aligned with Nyesom Wike.
The Landmark Ruling (March 9, 2026)
On March 9, the Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered a judgment that fundamentally altered the party's hierarchy:
Nullification of the Ibadan Convention: The court nullified the PDP’s November 2025 National Convention held in Ibadan. This convention had produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), which is backed by governors like Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed.
INEC Barred: The court specifically barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Turaki’s leadership or any outcomes from that convention.
Wike's "Big Win": This ruling validated an earlier Federal High Court decision, effectively reinstating the legal standing of the National Caretaker Committee (led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu), which is the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike.
The Battle for the National Secretariat (Wadata Plaza)
Control of the party's physical headquarters in Abuja has become the focal point of the crisis:
Attempted Takeover: Following the ruling, the Wike-backed caretaker committee announced plans to formally reopen and occupy the National Secretariat, which had been sealed by police since November 2025.
Current Status: Despite the legal victory, as of mid-March 2026, reports indicate the building remains heavily guarded by police and coils of razor wire. The Turaki faction has warned that any attempt to occupy the building is "self-help" and contempt of court, as they have filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.
INEC Recognition: Crucially, INEC has already begun inviting the Wike-backed caretaker committee to official stakeholders' meetings, signaling a shift in administrative recognition.
Wike-Aligned: Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, Abdulrahman Mohammed. Legally Validated. Recognized by the Court of Appeal and currently engaged by INEC.
Mainstream/Governors : Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed Sacked/Nullified. Currently appealing the decision to the Supreme Court.
The Wike-backed faction has now scheduled a National Convention for March 29, 2026, in Abuja to elect a permanent NWC, a move the opposing side continues to dismiss as a "fabrication."
