WIKE-BACKED PDP FACTION REJECTS CLAIMS OF MERGER WITH APM

The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected claims that it has been absorbed into the Allied Peoples Movement, insisting that it has no alliance, coalition or formal arrangement with the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The faction described reports suggesting otherwise as misleading and maintained that it remains committed to operating under its own PDP structure.

The clarification follows political activities in Ibadan, Oyo State, where members of the faction aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde were involved in a gathering linked to the APM. The development generated speculation that the PDP faction had reached an agreement with the APM as part of efforts to build a broader political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, the Wike-backed PDP leadership dismissed the reported arrangement, saying individuals presenting themselves as representatives of the faction had no authorisation to negotiate or enter into any political agreement with the APM. The faction's National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, accused the Makinde camp of attempting to create the impression of a wider political alliance and urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as false narratives.

The dispute is part of the wider crisis that has continued to divide the PDP into rival camps. The conflict intensified following the Supreme Court's April 30, 2026, ruling on the party's disputed national convention, after which the Wike-aligned leadership maintained that it remained the legitimate structure of the party. The rival camp, however, has continued its own political activities and subsequently moved closer to the APM, with Governor Makinde announcing his presidential ambition.

The Wike-backed faction said it remains focused on participating in the 2027 elections and has continued its internal political activities, including the processing of nomination forms for candidates. It also accused some rival PDP figures of impersonating party officials and disclosed that legal steps had been initiated over the matter. The development further highlights the deep divisions within the opposition party as political realignments intensify ahead of the next general election.