The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says its planned national convention will proceed as scheduled, despite legal challenges and attempts by rival factions to halt the exercise.
Members of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee on Saturday insisted they had not received any court order restraining the convention billed for Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30, 2026, in Abuja.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the committee’s publicity secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said all preparations had been concluded and that the party remained fully committed to conducting a credible and legally compliant convention.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee 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,” he said.
According to him, every logistical and administrative requirement has been met to guarantee a peaceful and successful exercise.
“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,” he added.
Internal Legal Dispute Persists
Mohammed also addressed recent attempts by some party members to disrupt the process, urging calm among supporters while reaffirming that reconciliation efforts remain open.
“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.”
The comments come after members of the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee disclosed that they had filed an appeal challenging the Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the party’s Ibadan convention.
Some members of that group are also seeking a legal order to stop the convention being organised by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee.
Wike Backs Convention, Says Reconciliation Will Continue
Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has reaffirmed that the convention will hold as planned, dismissing the Supreme Court appeal filed by the Turaki group as having no immediate impact on the process.
Speaking after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, venue of the convention, Wike said reconciliation within the party remains an ongoing process that will continue after the convention.
“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.
He acknowledged that disagreements are natural in a political party of such size, stressing that the party leadership remains committed to engaging dissatisfied members.
“You cannot expect that in a family of two or three people everyone will always be satisfied, let alone a party with millions of members. There will always be a few who are not happy. We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns, and see how we can accommodate them.”
Zoning Formula Confirmed
Wike also confirmed that zoning arrangements for key party offices have already been agreed upon, describing the consensus as a major step toward unity.
“We have already zoned our positions. Every zone has its own slots. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North.”
He said the arrangement differs from previous conventions where so-called “unity lists” often reflected internal power struggles.
“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front. There are no factions; everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking.”
Final Preparations Near Completion
On logistics, the minister said preparations were almost complete, with seating arrangements finalised for delegates from across the country.
“We are fully prepared. We are about 95 percent ready, and by tomorrow, everything will be set. Seating arrangements for all states have been completed, and the VIP section is ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates.”
Wike added that the opposition party intends to demonstrate renewed strength ahead of the 2027 general elections, predicting that the PDP will surprise many Nigerians with its political resurgence ahead of the next electoral cycle.
