PDP Crisis Deepens as Rival Benue Candidates Receive Certificates

The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as two rival factions of the party presented Certificates of Return to separate candidates claiming victory in the 2027 Benue State governorship primary election.

The parallel ceremonies, held at different venues in Abuja, underscored the deepening divisions within Nigeria’s main opposition party as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), received his Certificate of Return at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, after emerging as the governorship candidate of the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Aondoakaa was accompanied by his running mate, Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa, as well as party leaders, supporters and stakeholders from Benue State who attended the ceremony.

However, in a parallel exercise held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the rival faction led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), presented a separate Certificate of Return to Emmanuel Agbo, the Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum.

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The Turaki-led camp had earlier declared Agbo the winner of its own governorship primary, setting the stage for a direct collision between the two factions over who legitimately represents the party in Benue State.

The development has intensified concerns over the widening leadership dispute within the PDP, which has remained embroiled in internal disagreements over party structures, leadership authority and the control of key organs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political observers say the presentation of competing certificates to different candidates is one of the clearest indications yet that reconciliation efforts within the party have failed to bridge the gulf between the opposing camps.

While both factions insist they are acting within the framework of the party’s constitution, the emergence of parallel candidates is expected to trigger fresh legal and political battles over the authenticity of the governorship ticket.

The dispute also raises questions about the PDP’s preparedness for future elections, particularly in states where internal divisions continue to threaten party unity.

Party stakeholders have repeatedly called for dialogue and compromise to prevent further fragmentation, warning that prolonged infighting could weaken the PDP’s chances of mounting a strong challenge in 2027.

With both camps standing firmly behind their respective candidates, attention is now expected to shift to the courts and the party’s national leadership as efforts intensify to determine which faction ultimately controls the PDP structure in Benue State.

The latest development highlights the scale of the crisis confronting the opposition party, as rival power blocs continue to battle for influence and legitimacy within its ranks.