The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Saturday as the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee insisted that its planned national convention would proceed as scheduled, dismissing claims of any legal obstacle.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the committee’s Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the group had not received any court order restraining the convention slated for Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30, 2026.
He maintained that all preparations had been concluded in line with both party guidelines and legal requirements.
According to him, the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) had invested significant effort to ensure that the exercise would be credible, transparent, and inclusive of members across the country.
He added that arrangements were in place to guarantee a smooth and peaceful convention.
“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,” Mohammed said.
He also addressed attempts by some party members to halt the process, urging calm while reiterating that reconciliation efforts remained ongoing.
“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,” he added.
The position of the caretaker committee contrasts with that of a rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki.
Members of the Turaki-led National Working Committee had earlier announced that they filed an appeal challenging a Court of Appeal ruling which nullified the Ibadan Convention.
Some members of that faction are also seeking an order to stop the upcoming convention.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind the caretaker committee, affirming that the convention would go ahead as planned.
He dismissed the Supreme Court appeal by the Turaki group, stating that it would not affect the scheduled event.
Speaking after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja—the designated venue for the convention—Wike emphasised that internal disagreements within the party would be addressed after the gathering.
He described reconciliation as a continuous process.
“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone,” he said.
Wike acknowledged that disagreements are inevitable in any large political organisation, noting that even smaller groups experience similar issues.
He stressed that the leadership remains committed to engaging aggrieved members and resolving their concerns in the overall interest of the party.
On the issue of zoning, the minister confirmed that key party positions had already been distributed across regions to promote balance.
He explained that the presidency had been zoned to the South, while the party chairmanship would go to the North, describing the arrangement as a consensus-driven approach aimed at easing tensions.
“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front, rather than the usual ‘unity list’ that often reflects internal divisions.
”There are no factions; everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking,” Wike said.
He further disclosed that preparations for the convention were nearly complete, putting readiness at about 95 per cent.
According to him, seating arrangements for delegates from all states had been finalised, including provisions for a VIP section.
The event is expected to host no more than 2,500 delegates.
The former Rivers State governor also expressed optimism about the party’s future, stating that the PDP would surprise Nigerians with its performance in the 2027 general elections.
