Internal power struggles, regional power rotation demands, and disciplinary measures have contributed to widespread disillusionment within the party.
The PDP has seen the departure of prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who left the party last year.
A leadership crisis intensified by a contentious national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, proceeded despite court injunctions attempting to halt the proceedings.
The convention expelled Nyesom Wike, a key PDP member serving in President Bola Tinubu’s APC administration, igniting a political standoff that has paralyzed the PDP.
Wike, a co-founder of the party, leads a rival faction following his controversial role in securing APC victory in Rivers State during the last presidential election, prompting accusations of betrayal.
Legally, Wike’s faction is recognized as legitimate, having successfully submitted its slate of presidential and parliamentary candidates to the electoral commission, while the opposing faction remains without ballot representation.
