PDP Reconciliation Talks: Obasanjo and Babangida consulted as party factions seek unity ahead of elections amid ongoing legal disputes
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated fresh reconciliation efforts following months of internal disputes, with former Heads of State Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida consulted to help mediate between rival factions.
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Party chieftain Gbenga Hashim has led discreet backchannel communications, engaging key figures from opposing blocs to ease tensions after prolonged litigation and factional manoeuvring that threatened party cohesion.
Sources confirmed that the consultations with Obasanjo and Babangida form part of a broader strategy to stabilise the party ahead of future elections.
The mediation effort reportedly began in January with discussions involving leaders of the Turaki faction before extending to representatives associated with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Party insiders said the focus has been on the political and institutional risks of prolonged legal disputes.
“People are talking again. The temperature has dropped,” said a senior PDP official, describing a tentative agreement in principle to harmonise positions, regardless of pending court rulings.
Legal developments have also reinforced the push for unity.
During an appeal hearing at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, justices reportedly encouraged the disputing factions to consider reconciliation, emphasising the importance of political stability and internal dispute resolution.
The PDP’s grassroots strength, demonstrated in recent Area Council elections, is considered resilient, but party leaders stress that cohesion at the leadership level is critical to sustaining momentum.
A party source added, “The structure is strong. What was missing was cohesion.”
While face-to-face meetings and structured consultations are planned, formal documentation of the emerging understanding has yet to be completed.
Channels between factions aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which had long been frozen, are reportedly now open.
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Whether the ongoing talks will translate into lasting unity remains uncertain, as legal proceedings continue and political ambitions across governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly positions persist.
