A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Nyesom Wike has declared that there is no going back on its planned National Convention, stressing that internal disagreements will not derail the process.
The party leadership made its position known on Wednesday in Abuja through the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, during a pre-convention briefing where the timetable for the March 29–30 event was unveiled.
According to him, reconciliation efforts within the party remain ongoing but will not interfere with the convention.
“Reconciliation is an ongoing thing, and it cannot in any way prevent the caretaker committee from carrying out the convention.
“If you recall, we had initially informed the representative of the Turaki group who attended our last NEC meeting that whatever their written proposals may be, two things remain sacrosanct: the existence of this caretaker committee and the conduct of this National Convention,” he said.
He explained that preparations will begin with the publication of members of the National Convention Planning and Organising Committee and its subcommittees. These bodies will oversee critical areas including logistics, security, accreditation, media, protocol, electoral processes, zoning, screening, and medical services.
“We expect to publish the names and membership of these committees and subcommittees tomorrow,” Mohammed added.
All committees are scheduled to be inaugurated on Saturday, March 21, at 8 p.m., with the venue yet to be disclosed.
The following day, March 22, the Zoning Committee will meet to determine how party positions will be distributed across geopolitical zones, a key step that often shapes the outcome of the convention.
An emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) is slated for Monday, March 23, at the FCT Minister’s Lodge in Life Camp, Abuja. Immediately after, the sale of nomination forms will commence and run until March 25.
Thursday, March 26, has been reserved for handling appeals arising from the screening process, with proceedings expected to conclude by 7 p.m.
Ahead of the main event, the party will host a pre-convention cocktail on March 28 at the Minister’s Lodge, with attendance strictly by invitation.
“The National Convention is slated for 29th and 30th of March this year,” Mohammed confirmed.
The PDP also emphasised that all processes are in compliance with electoral guidelines, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been duly informed and has monitored its congresses at various levels.
“The Independent Electoral Commission had been notified about the PDP National Convention long ago, and in line with the notice, they have already supervised and monitored our ward, local government, and state congresses. The National Convention will not be an exception,” he said.
He further revealed that state congresses have been completed in line with a court ruling, with only the zonal congresses for the South-East and North-West remaining, both scheduled for Saturday.
“We have concluded all state congresses in line with the judgment of Justice Omotosho… and then the Zonal congresses for the South East and North West will be on Saturday,” he said.
What you should know
The PDP has been grappling with internal divisions, with different factions pushing competing agendas ahead of the 2027 elections.
The insistence on proceeding with the National Convention signals a strategic move by the Wike-aligned bloc to assert control and maintain momentum. Political conventions are crucial as they shape party leadership, zoning arrangements, and future electoral strategies.
The outcome of this convention could significantly influence the PDP’s unity, structure, and preparedness for upcoming national elections.
