PDP crisis: Wike-led faction insists national convention will proceed as planned

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Barr. Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the party’s national convention scheduled to begin in Abuja will proceed as planned.

Jungudo Mohammed, spokesman of the party’s national caretaker working committee, disclosed the position while speaking on preparations for the convention.

Mohammed said the committee is not aware of any court order stopping the exercise, adding that all arrangements have been concluded for the convention.

He said the gathering would mark a defining moment for the opposition party, stressing that the event would reaffirm the PDP’s commitment to due process and the will of its members.

The PDP has been divided since the party’s convention held in Ibadan in November 2025 which produced a National Working Committee (NWC) led by Tanimu Turaki.

The Turaki-led NWC is backed by Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, and Seyi Makinde, of Oyo state.

Following the Ibadan convention, loyalists of Wike inaugurated a 13-member caretaker committee headed by Abdulraham Mohammed, was tasked with managing the affairs of the party pending the conduct of a fresh convention.

On March 9, the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal nullified the Ibadan convention. In another ruling, the court advised parties involved in the dispute to explore a settlement.

Ahead of the March 29 and 30 national convention organised by the Wike-led faction, the Turaki-led faction said it had approached the Supreme Court.

Ini Ememobong, spokesman of the Turaki-led NWC, confirmed that the bloc filed an appeal challenging the judgment nullifying the Ibadan convention.

On his part, Mohammed said the caretaker committee had worked to ensure the convention would be credible and inclusive.

His words: “The National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) has worked tirelessly to ensure that this convention is not only credible and transparent but also inclusive and reflective of the collective aspirations of our members across the country.

“All necessary arrangements have been concluded to guarantee a smooth, peaceful, and successful exercise.”

Mohammed said the convention would be conducted in compliance with the PDP constitution and relevant laws.

His words: “We wish to assure all party faithful and the general public that this convention is being conducted in full compliance with the constitution of our party and in line with all relevant laws. The PDP remains a law-abiding institution, committed to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

“On recent developments, including attempts by certain individuals to disrupt this process, we urge all members to remain calm and focused. The party has consistently extended the hand of reconciliation, and that door remains open. However, we will not allow the progress and stability of our great party to be undermined.”

Responding to questions about the reported appeal filed by the Turaki faction, Mohammed said the caretaker committee had not been served with any court order.

“As you have heard, the convention will go ahead tomorrow, and all arrangements have been concluded,” he said.

He added: “Any reports or insinuations you refer to are, for now, things we are only seeing on social media. By the grace of God, on 29 March, the convention will be held as scheduled.

“We have complied with all party regulations and processes. We are fully compliant, 100 percent compliant. By the grace of God, the convention will be held tomorrow.”