PDP Crisis Deepens as Umar Sani Declares Reconciliation “Completely Collapsed”

Former party chieftain says factions have abandoned dialogue for litigation, alleges takeover plot ahead of 2027 elections

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By John Ishaku | Abuja, Nigeria

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a fresh turn, as former party chieftain Umar Sani declared that reconciliation efforts between rival factions have completely collapsed.

Speaking during an interview on Monday, Sani said all attempts at resolving the leadership dispute had broken down, with both camps now reverting to legal battles over control of the party structure.

Reconciliation Efforts Fail

Sani disclosed that initial agreements were reached for all sides to return to the “status quo ante” to allow for meaningful dialogue, but alleged that the arrangement was breached.

“Reconciliation has broken down. There is no more reconciliation. The idea was that everybody would return back to status quo ante, but that has not happened,” he said.

He explained that while his faction suspended key meetings in good faith, the opposing camp proceeded with its own convention plans, effectively derailing the process.

“We suspended our caucus meeting in good faith. They were also supposed to suspend their convention so we could sit at a roundtable, but they went ahead,” he added.

Return to Litigation

With dialogue now abandoned, Sani confirmed that the dispute has shifted fully back to the courts, with both factions contesting the legality of party structures and leadership decisions.

He argued that court rulings being relied upon by the rival group were unconstitutional within the PDP framework and are currently being challenged at the appellate level.

“We challenged the court decision that recognised an unconstitutional committee. It has gone to the Court of Appeal, and we have now told them reconciliation has failed,” he stated.

Allegations of Political Undermining

Sani further escalated the rhetoric by accusing the rival faction of working in alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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“That faction is an extension of the APC. Their agenda is to weaken the PDP and support President Tinubu in 2027,” he alleged.

Despite the deepening crisis, he maintained that his faction retains control of the party’s legitimate structures, including the Board of Trustees (BoT), National Executive Committee (NEC), and National Working Committee (NWC).

Funding, INEC and Legal Authority

Addressing concerns over the PDP’s capacity to fund future presidential campaigns, Sani dismissed the notion that the party centrally bankrolls candidates.

“It is not the PDP that gives presidential candidates money. Governors and stakeholders contribute. That is how it has always worked,” he said.

On the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sani argued that the ultimate authority on party leadership disputes lies with the courts and the party’s constitution, not the electoral body.

No Merger Plans Despite Crisis

Sani also ruled out any immediate plans for opposition alliances or mergers ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that his faction remains committed to pursuing legal remedies.

“We are not withdrawing from the contest. We believe the courts will compel INEC to give us time to put our house in order,” he said.

He added that discussions around political alliances would only arise if legal options are exhausted.

Party at a Crossroads

The latest development underscores the deepening divisions within Nigeria’s main opposition party, raising concerns about its preparedness for future elections.

With reconciliation off the table and legal battles intensifying, the PDP now faces a prolonged internal struggle that could significantly shape the country’s political landscape ahead of 2027.