Rift within PDP: Wike's faction assures calm before party conference

The Peoples Democratic Party leadership, with the backing of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, announced on Monday that the party has regained stability after weeks of internal tensions and legal disputes, as it prepares for its national convention on March 29 and 30.

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The Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, addressed the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Monday, stating that recent state and zonal congresses were largely successful, despite acknowledging underlying strains within the party.

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Mohammed noted that the party has made significant progress in stabilising its structures and restoring confidence, and urged members to move past divisions, saying "There is no victor and no vanquished—only a shared commitment to rebuild, reposition, and strengthen our party."

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The meeting took place amid lingering factional disagreements and court cases that have tested the opposition party’s cohesion in recent months, with Mohammed adding that recent court rulings had been handled "with a spirit of reconciliation and inclusiveness."

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Mohammed stated that the party remains open to constructive engagement, dialogue, and reconciliation, and described the upcoming national convention as "a critical milestone that will shape the future direction of our party."

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He called on party members to avoid actions that could deepen internal rifts, saying "As we approach the National Convention, I urge all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions."

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Mohammed also noted that "The eyes of the nation are upon us," and praised party figures who have played roles in recent negotiations and organisational efforts, including former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Wike.

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Mohammed described Wike as a stabilising influence, saying "His commitment to the ideals of the PDP, even in challenging times, stands as a testament to true leadership."

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Despite the conciliatory tone, the NEC meeting highlighted the delicate balance the party must maintain as it attempts to unify competing interests ahead of the convention, with Mohammed insisting the PDP remains "a formidable political force and a credible alternative for governance in Nigeria."

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Mohammed stressed that unity would be critical to sustaining the party's position, saying "What is required of us at this moment is unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and commitment to the ideals that bind us together."

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Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, also addressed the NEC, describing the moment as critical for the party’s future and calling for caution and collective responsibility.

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Ohuabunwa commended party leadership and members for conducting ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, describing them as evidence of the PDP’s commitment to democratic principles, and highlighted the importance of the ongoing electronic registration of members.

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Ohuabunwa urged widespread participation in the electronic registration process, saying "The ongoing electronic registration of members (e-registration) is a major step in the right direction" and "A credible membership register is the foundation of any serious political organisation."

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He encouraged all members to embrace the process, saying "I therefore encourage all members across the federation to embrace this process and ensure its success."

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On the issue of zoning, Ohuabunwa urged party leaders to approach recommendations with fairness and unity, saying "I urge members of this distinguished Committee to receive the recommendations of the Zoning Committee with an open mind, guided by equity, justice, and the overriding interest of unity."

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Ohuabunwa emphasised that the PDP’s strength lies in its ability to manage differences and remain united, saying "The strength of the PDP has never been in uniformity of opinion, but in our ability to manage our differences and emerge stronger as one united family."

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He called for unity and reaffirmed confidence in the party’s leadership, saying "Let us therefore rise above personal preferences and sectional interests, and focus on what will preserve the stability, cohesion, and progress of our Party."

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The meeting comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis that has plagued the party since November 2025, with Governors of the PDP having earlier backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15.

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The Ibadan convention produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure, with leadership being handed over from former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.

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A faction loyal to Wike later formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate.

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Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat, and subsequent legal battles culminated in a February 12 hearing at the Court of Appeal.

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On March 9, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party’s constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.