- Safiu Kehinde
The Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged members to disregard a meeting between the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
NPO Reported that Makinde had alongside other members of the Tanimu-Turaki led faction of the PDP had met with David Mark-led ADC leadership on Wednesday.
While both groups had met in close-door, the Turaki-led faction claimed that the engagement was a solidarity visit ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the Wike-backed faction said that the meeting was not authorised by the PDP.
Mohammed stressed that the party has not held any formal or informal engagements with the ADC or its representatives.
He added that those who participated in the meeting acted in their personal capacities and cannot be considered representing the PDP.
The factional PDP spokesperson urged members and the public to ignore the claims, calling them baseless and not reflective of the party’s position.
He also said preparations for the PDP’s primaries were progressing well, noting that timelines and guidelines would be communicated in due course.
“The party remains focused on its internal processes and its commitment to credible leadership for Nigerians”. Mohammed added.
Meanwhile, the meeting which lasted about two hours, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. reportedly focused on national developments and inter-party cooperation.
Prominent figures at the meeting included former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, former Niger Governor Babangida Aliyu, members of the PDP National Working Committee, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Also present were former governors Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rotimi Amaechi.
ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, and other senior political figures also participated in the deliberations.