Title: Peoples Democratic Party Rift: Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida Drawn into Fresh Reconciliation Efforts Date Published: 09 March 2026 Description: Fresh efforts to resolve the lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have gathered momentum as former Heads of State, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, were consulted as part of a broader move to reunite feuding factions in the party.The consultations were initiated by party chieftain Gbenga Hashim in what insiders describe as a quiet mediation process aimed at easing tensions following months of legal disputes and internal power struggles that have threatened the party’s cohesion.Sources within the party disclosed that Hashim has been engaging key stakeholders across rival blocs through discreet backchannel contacts. The outreach to Obasanjo and Babangida is believed to be an attempt to tap into the influence and moral authority of the PDP’s founding leaders at a critical time for the party.The reconciliation effort reportedly began in January with consultations involving leaders of the Turaki bloc before extending to figures linked to a faction associated with former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Discussions have largely centred on the political risks and institutional consequences of prolonged litigation within the party.The push for reconciliation has also gained traction in the legal arena. During proceedings at the Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Ibadan, justices reportedly advised parties involved in the dispute to explore reconciliation, emphasising the need for political stability and internal conflict resolution within political parties.Party insiders described last weekend as a turning point, with intensified backchannel communications between key actors from the rival camps reportedly leading to an agreement in principle to begin harmonising their positions despite pending court decisions.“The temperature has dropped. People are talking again,” a senior party official said, noting that consultations are expected to progress into structured face-to-face engagements in the coming weeks, although a formal agreement is yet to be finalised.Another party source said many PDP members are increasingly pushing for unity, particularly with future elections in view. Aspirants for various elective offices—including state assembly, governorship, House of Representatives and Senate seats—are said to believe that their political prospects depend largely on a stable and united party.Party leaders also point to the PDP’s recent performance in Area Council elections as evidence of the party’s enduring grassroots strength, while acknowledging that unity among top leaders remains crucial for sustaining that momentum.Meanwhile, it was gathered that communication channels between factions aligned with Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, and Wike—previously frozen—have now been reopened as part of the ongoing reconciliation process.Despite the emerging thaw, observers say it remains uncertain whether the current efforts will translate into lasting unity, as legal proceedings continue and political interests remain deeply entrenched within the party. Attached Images: 9b5e53192be1c06ea22998c1b059bf265c2c2ba7c0ddbc480b8c75df4cd9b310.jpg Attached Video: None