Rival PDP groups initiate reconciliation discussions amid Wike's insistence of party unity

The peace process within the Peoples Democratic Party has been reinitiated, with the national convention scheduled for March 29-30, 2026, being led by the bloc headed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

n

The faction led by Tanimu Turaki, supported by the party governors, confirmed that a fresh reconciliation process has commenced, aiming to unite the aggrieved factions within the party.

n

Turaki disclosed that the reconciliation, which began on Tuesday night, is yielding some results, and the Board of Trustees, led by Sen. Adolphus Wabara, has constituted a high-powered committee to interface with estranged party members.

n

The National Working Committee has issued a notice postponing the National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings, demonstrating good faith, and combative communication has been de-escalated on all fronts.

n

Turaki noted that despite expecting a reciprocal gesture, the other faction has instead resorted to hurtful rhetoric and derogatory statements.

n

He emphasized that the party is mindful of the dispute's implications amid the tight Electoral Act timelines and urged the other faction to act in the party's overall interest.

n

Turaki confirmed that leaders on both sides have begun exploring pathways towards a lasting resolution and urged supporters to de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions.

n

The party assured aspirants that it will field candidates for all elective offices, in compliance with Article 6(2) of the Constitution of the PDP, as amended in 2017.

n

Turaki expressed confidence in the Wike faction, stating that reconciliation is still possible and that the party remains committed to defending and consolidating democracy, even as an opposition party.

n

He noted that in life, there are times to fight and times to make peace, and that winning the peace is often more important than winning a war.

n

Turaki identified elements on both sides that are working to prevent peace and stated that these elements have been identified and addressed in discussions between the two factions.

n

The party leader vowed to deploy all available means to achieve peace and promised that all court cases would be withdrawn once the reconciliation is concluded.

n

Turaki noted that matters in court continue, with cases filed by both parties, and that the best judges advise parties to explore out-of-court settlements whenever possible.

n

He stated that the party has chosen the path of peace in the overall interest of party members and that all cases will give way to peace once agreeable terms are reached.

n

When asked about compromise, Turaki responded that his bloc is willing to bend as far as necessary and make sacrifices in the overall interest of the party.

n

Issues such as attendance at the convention are among those to be discussed, and the parties and delegates will decide whether the convention needs to continue.

n

Meanwhile, the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports of a split within the PDP, insisting that the party remains united as it prepares for its national convention.

n

Wike spoke to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, after inspecting several ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the capital city, and maintained that disagreements among members do not amount to factionalisation.

n

He noted that while some grievances may exist, reconciliation efforts are still ongoing and can proceed alongside preparations for the convention.

n

Wike's claim comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis plaguing the party, which has seen the formation of a 13-member Caretaker Committee and a series of legal battles.

n

The Court of Appeal ruled on March 9 that the Ibadan convention, which produced Kabiru Turaki and his committee, violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party's constitution.

n

During the inspection tour, Wike reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to ensuring quality and timely delivery of projects, including a bridge project near the Fire Service in Abuja.

n

He disclosed that the N5 road project, handled by Julius Berger, has been completed and will be inaugurated as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu's third anniversary in office.

n

At the Nigerian Law School, Wike expressed satisfaction with the completion of 10 staff bungalows and assessed ongoing hostel projects, commending progress on the female hostel while raising concerns about delays in the male hostel.

n

Wike attributed the administration's performance to prudent resource management and political will, stating that the FCT relies largely on internally generated revenue and avoids awarding contracts it cannot fund.

n

He credited the pace of development to the support of the president, saying that the momentum is due to the president's belief in providing infrastructure.

n

Wike assured residents that all ongoing projects would be completed as scheduled, reaffirming the administration's commitment to improving infrastructure and service delivery across the FCT.