2027 Politics: PDP’s Future Hinges on Makinde, Bala Mohammed After Appeal Court Verdict

Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is facing a critical moment after a Court of Appeal judgment nullified its Ibadan convention, leaving the party with only two governors and raising fresh uncertainty about its future ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ruling has intensified internal struggles and shifted the balance of power within the party.

Uncertainty on the streets

At a small roadside repair stall near Masalaci mosque in Mpape, Abuja, phone technician Samaila Ibrahim pauses as a customer reads out news about the PDP crisis.

After hearing that the party’s convention had been cancelled, he asks:

“If their convention no longer exists, who will present their presidential candidate?”

His question echoes the confusion many Nigerians now feel about the opposition party’s leadership.

Convention nullified

The Court of Appeal recently invalidated the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, which had produced a National Working Committee aligned with former minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

As a result, the leadership that emerged from that convention has effectively been dissolved.

Currently, the only structure recognised by INEC is the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu, believed to be politically aligned with Nyesom Wike.

A senior party figure acknowledged the shift in power.

“Politics is about structure. Right now, the structure is not on their side,” he said.

Makinde and Bala Mohammed under pressure

The PDP once controlled numerous states and ruled Nigeria for 16 years before losing power in 2015.

Now only Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed remain under its banner.

Both governors are approaching the end of their second terms and hope to influence who succeeds them.

However, disputes over the party’s national leadership could affect the nomination of candidates for future elections.

A party insider said:

“Both of them understand that the national structure determines who signs the candidate lists. Without influence at that level, their leverage going into 2027 becomes very limited.”

Legal battle or reconciliation

Supporters of the Turaki faction are considering appealing to the Supreme Court, but some party leaders warn that the process may delay preparations for upcoming elections.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki said waiting for the court process could create problems.

“With the revised timetable by INEC, it is obvious that there is no time to wait for the Supreme Court decision.”

He suggested the party should instead organise a fresh convention.

Similarly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urged party members to focus on unity.

“We must shift focus from litigation to reconciliation and rebuilding,” she said.

Possibility of defections

Political observers say the ruling has fuelled speculation about possible defections.

Some reports suggest Bala Mohammed could join the APC, while Makinde has been linked with talks involving the ADC.

If both governors leave the PDP, the party would lose its last state governments.

Impact on national politics

Analysts believe the situation could strengthen the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu, particularly if the opposition remains divided.

Voices from the public

Gbenga Giwa criticised the party’s constant legal disputes.

“The unending litigations in PDP do not augur well for any serious politicians seeking reelection.”

Leo Gratias viewed the crisis as a chance for renewal.

“PDP’s moment of truth has come… Time to heal and regroup.”

Aminu Adamu encouraged the remaining governors to stay strong.

“The test of time really show those who are genuinely for the cause.”

As evening prayers approach in Mpape, Samaila finishes his repair work and reflects again on the situation.

“Everything now depends on those two governors,” he says.

“If they leave, then the story of that party is finished.”

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