Wike's allies claim state-supported PDP faction is secretly planning to undermine party conference

Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party have escalated, with the camp loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing a governor-backed Tanimu Turaki group of attempting to disrupt the party's national convention, scheduled for March 29–30, 2026.

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The Wike-supported PDP National Caretaker Working Committee's National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, emphasized during a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday that the convention will proceed as planned, highlighting that judicial rulings are binding and in full effect.

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Mohammed stated that the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal have affirmed the legitimacy of the National Caretaker Working Committee, and their judgments are binding, urging party members and the public to disregard any contrary claims.

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He expressed concern that certain individuals are undermining the party's stability, specifically mentioning a group led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, which is attempting to secure an injunction to halt the forthcoming national convention.

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Mohammed noted that the party had extended invitations for reconciliation and dialogue, but the said faction failed to engage, leading to the current situation.

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The PDP continues to uphold unity, internal democracy, and adherence to the rule of law, but will not allow the collective interest to be derailed by actions that contradict these principles, according to Mohammed.

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Mohammed called on the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the State Chief Judge to take notice of attempts to abuse court processes and frustrate the party's legitimate activities.

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The PDP reaffirms its confidence in the judiciary and trusts that justice will be served in accordance with the law, Mohammed added.

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The national convention, scheduled for March 29-30, 2026, will proceed as planned, with all necessary arrangements concluded, and the party is prepared to deliver a successful, transparent, and credible convention, Mohammed assured.

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In response, the governors-backed Turaki camp's National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, dismissed the Wike-aligned group's claim as blackmail, stating that his camp has been open to reconciliation since day one.

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Ememobong claimed that the Wike camp is weaponizing communication and not genuinely interested in reconciliation, and that they are the ones who know about a case that is yet to be instituted, implying that they are the ones who will file the case.

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The governors-backed PDP Publicity Secretary expressed optimism about reconciliation, stating that they remain hopeful and are willing to engage in discussions, rather than spending time and energy on convention committees.

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Earlier, PDP governors had endorsed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which resulted in the election of Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year term.

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The governors also oversaw the leadership handover from former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum's tenure expired on December 9.

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A faction aligned with Wike later set up a 13-member Caretaker Committee on December 8, appointing 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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Both factions sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission, but the commission refused to recognise either side, leading to protracted legal battles as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensified.

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On February 12, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria heard consolidated cases arising from the PDP leadership crisis and delivered judgment on March 9, upholding the earlier Federal High Court ruling that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Nigerian Constitution, and the PDP Constitution.

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The appellate court nullified the convention's outcome, declaring the election of Turaki and other NWC members legally invalid, and also granted all parties involved in the PDP elective convention dispute the opportunity to pursue an amicable resolution.