A faction within the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State, known as the Reset Group of Osun PDP, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the party’s caretaker national leadership to step in and prevent what it described as a deepening crisis threatening the party’s structure in the state.

The appeal was contained in a letter addressed to the chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Abdulrahaman Mohammed, and Wike. The letter was jointly signed by the group’s President and Secretary, Akinwale Oyetunde and Adeyeye Olugbenga.

A copy of the correspondence was obtained by journalists in Osogbo on Friday.

In the letter, the group accused the Osun PDP leadership, led by Sunday Bisi, of actions it claimed were weakening the party and pushing members to seek alternative political platforms.

According to the group, the situation worsened after the state executives took part in the Ibadan convention, which was later set aside by the Court of Appeal. It argued that the development had further complicated the leadership crisis within the party’s state chapter.

The group therefore called for the immediate dissolution of the PDP State Working Committee led by Bisi, warning that the current leadership arrangement could lead to the party losing relevance in Osun State.

It also alleged that the State Working Committee had thrown its support behind Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is contesting the August 15 election under the platform of the Accord Party, without receiving approval from the party’s National Working Committee.

“The state leadership has endorsed the Accord candidate, Governor Adeleke, without the official concurrence of the National Working Committee.

“They have directed PDP members to register with the Accord Party. They have perfected plans not to allow any PDP member to contest under the platform. This was done in cohort with some very senior members of the present NWC loyal to Minister Wike,” the group said.

The Reset Group warned that if the situation is not addressed quickly, it could further weaken the PDP’s influence in Osun State and affect the party’s prospects in future elections.

While acknowledging Wike’s influence within the party, the group urged him and the PDP national leadership to dissolve the current state executives and replace them with a caretaker committee that would create a level playing field for aspirants seeking to contest positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The leadership dispute within the Osun PDP has intensified in recent times, with different factions claiming control of the party structure as aspirants begin positioning themselves for the 2027 polls.

Earlier, the faction of the PDP national leadership aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced the dissolution of the Osun State Working Committee led by Bisi and replaced it with a caretaker committee headed by Tunde Tijani.

However, the dissolved committee rejected the decision, insisting that it remains the legitimate leadership of the party in the state.

According to the committee, “no amount of external pressure, unlawful national posturing, or recycled intimidation can invalidate a structure that derives its legitimacy from due process and the collective will of party members in Osun State.”

The group also appealed to party members to remain calm, alert and committed to the party despite the ongoing dispute.