Wike-backed PDP faction inaugurates convention committee, call for reconciliation

Leaders of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Barr. Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have inaugurated a national convention organising committee ahead of the party’s convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 in Abuja.

Abdulrahman Mohammed, acting national chairman of the faction, inaugurated the committee on Saturday night in Abuja.

Mohammed urged party members to put past crises behind them, saying: “Our journey to this point has not been without challenges.

“For over a year, our party has navigated complex legal and judicial issues. Yet, through resilience, wisdom and a shared commitment to unity, we have emerged not diminished, but refined.

“Today, the PDP stands once again as a beautiful bride, radiant with renewed political prospects and ready to reclaim its rightful place in the national space.”

Mohammed said the recent judgment of the court of appeal offers an opportunity for reconciliation within the party.

“The recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, widely regarded as a no victor, no vanquished verdict, offers us a philosophical anchor,” he said.

“It reminds us that true triumph lies not in individual victories, but in collective survival and institutional continuity. It calls us to rise above divisions and embrace reconciliation as a higher virtue,” he added.

He further stated: “You are entrusted with the duty of planning and delivering a national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, that will stand firmly on the pillars of legality, legitimacy and inclusiveness.

“I urge you to discharge your responsibilities with diligence, impartiality and a deep sense of duty to the party and country.”

Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia State and chairman of the convention committee, described the convention as a defining moment for the party.

His words: “The Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the National Caretaker Working Committee is not merely a legal victory; it is a moral and political reset.

“It offers us a rare opportunity to rebuild, restore confidence and reaffirm the supremacy of due process and internal democracy within our party.

“We are not here to manage a convention; we are here to deliver credibility. We are not here to satisfy factions; we are here to strengthen the party. We are not here to recycle old divisions; we are here to build a united future.

“That is why reconciliation is not optional; it is imperative. What the PDP needs at this moment is honest reconciliation, rooted in truth, driven by sincerity and sustained by mutual respect.”

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, acting national secretary of the faction, said the convention would produce leaders capable of preparing the party for future elections.

He said: “I have the opportunity to say that the PDP is a big family. Those who left out of anger will return in 2027.

“We are going to secure many positions. Also, the NWC members to be elected from this convention will sign your forms. INEC is with us and witnessed all our congresses.”