A political support group aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged members of a factional caretaker committee backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to return to the mainstream leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The group, known as the Seyi Makinde Disciples, made the appeal on Thursday in Lagos.

Its convener, Laja Adeoye, said the party remained open to reconciliation despite the lingering leadership dispute that has divided members.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Adeoye called on members of the factional caretaker committee led by Mohammed Abdurahman and Sen. Samuel Nwanyanwu to embrace peace and reintegrate into the party structure recognised by its constitution.

He expressed confidence that ongoing dialogue would help resolve the crisis.

“We are hopeful that all the issues within the party will soon be put behind us. The PDP remains a big family with room for everyone,” Adeoye said.

Dispute over caretaker committee

Adeoye argued that the caretaker committee formed by the Wike-backed camp lacks legal backing under the party’s constitution.

“The National Caretaker Committee is not recognised by the law or the party’s constitution, and that position has been clearly stated,” he said.

According to him, the faction now has an opportunity to return to the party’s fold.

“The Wike camp now has the opportunity to return home. The PDP is opening its doors to suspended national officers willing to reintegrate,” Adeoye said.

He added that reconciliation would succeed if members return with a willingness to work with other party leaders.

Appeal Court ruling raises hopes

Adeoye said a recent decision by the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan had renewed hopes for dialogue within the party.

The appellate court urged all parties involved in the dispute to accommodate one another, a development he described as a positive signal.

“The Appeal Court in Ibadan urged all parties to accommodate one another. That is a positive signal for the future of the party,” he said.

Adeoye also said the ruling indirectly set aside actions taken by some suspended members of the party’s National Working Committee, including the formation of the caretaker committee.

Rather than deepen divisions, he said the court decision should encourage reconciliation among aggrieved members.

Push for unity ahead of 2027

Adeoye said unity among key leaders, including Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, would help reposition the party.

He added that the PDP remained determined to strengthen its role as an opposition party and mobilise Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

PDP eyes Lagos comeback

Commenting on Lagos politics, Adeoye said the party was intensifying efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.

“In Lagos State, the time has come for leadership that will make the state’s wealth work for the common people,” he said.

“The PDP will return Lagos to its people. The APC-led government has not adequately accounted to residents.”

Adeoye said the party aimed to provide transparent leadership and drive development if given the opportunity.

He expressed confidence that unity within the PDP and support from voters would help the party mount a stronger challenge in future elections.

Background to the court ruling

The call for reconciliation comes after the Court of Appeal upheld an earlier ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The ruling nullified the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on Nov. 15 and 16, 2025, which produced the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee backed by Makinde and Mohammed.

The appellate court also upheld the suspension of three principal officers, including National Secretary Sen. Samuel Nwanyanwu, linked to the faction supported by Wike.