Members of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have denied receiving any court order halting the party’s planned national convention scheduled for Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30, 2026.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the committee’s publicity secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, stated that the party remains fully prepared to proceed, having fulfilled all necessary legal and internal requirements.
“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.
“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,” Mohammed said.
Meanwhile, members of the faction led by Tanimu Turaki had earlier announced that they filed an appeal challenging a Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the Ibadan Convention, and are seeking an order to stop the upcoming exercise.
Despite the legal tussle, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that the convention will go ahead as scheduled. He also noted that reconciliation efforts among aggrieved party members would continue after the event.
Wike dismissed the Supreme Court appeal by the Turaki-led group, stating that it does not affect the convention.
Speaking after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, the venue for the convention, the minister emphasised that resolving internal disputes is an ongoing process.
“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.
“I have always said that in any group, there will be grievances. 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. What is most important is the overall interest of the party.”
On zoning arrangements, Wike confirmed that key positions have already been distributed across regions.
“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. We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier.
“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.”
Addressing preparedness, he added that the party is nearly set for the exercise.
“We are fully prepared. This visit is to assess final arrangements. As I said, 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.”
The former Rivers State governor also expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party will surprise Nigerians with its performance in the 2027 general elections.
What you should know
The insistence by the Peoples Democratic Party caretaker committee to proceed with its convention highlights deep internal divisions within the party.
With legal disputes, factional leadership struggles, and reconciliation efforts ongoing, the outcome of the convention could shape the PDP’s unity and readiness for the 2027 elections.
The stance of Nyesom Wike further signals strong backing for the process despite opposition, suggesting that the party is prioritizing stability while attempting to manage internal disagreements.
