Wike's faction insists PDP national convention will proceed as planned, crisis notwithstanding

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed its commitment to holding the National Convention as scheduled, despite internal conflicts and ongoing reconciliation efforts, with the party leadership determined to press on with the event. The convention will take place on March 29–30, as announced by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed.

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During a pre-convention press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Mohammed outlined the party's position, emphasizing that disagreements within the PDP will not hinder the convention process, and that reconciliation is an ongoing process that will not interfere with the caretaker committee's tasks.

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The party's stance reflects the position of the Nyesom Wike-aligned bloc, which has consistently advocated for the convention to proceed despite internal disputes, with Mohammed stating that the caretaker committee will carry out the convention as planned.

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Mohammed referenced the party's last NEC meeting, where the representative of the Turaki group was informed that the caretaker committee's existence and the conduct of the National Convention are non-negotiable, and that these two aspects will not be affected by any written proposals.

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The convention planning process begins on Thursday, with the publication of the names of members of the National Convention Planning and Organising Committee and its subcommittees, which will handle key areas such as venue, security, and accreditation.

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These committees and subcommittees are expected to be published on Thursday, according to Mohammed, who also announced that all committees will be inaugurated on Saturday, March 21, at 8 p.m. at a venue to be announced.

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The Zoning Committee will meet on March 22 to determine how party positions will be allocated across the country's geopolitical zones, a crucial step that often influences the convention's outcome, and this meeting will be followed by an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, March 23.

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The NEC meeting is scheduled for 12 noon at the FCT Minister’s Lodge in Life Camp, Abuja, and will be followed by the sale of nomination forms, which will run until March 25, closing at 3 p.m.

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Thursday, March 26, has been set aside for hearing appeals arising from the screening process, with proceedings expected to conclude by 7 p.m., as stated by Mohammed, who also noted that the party will host a pre-convention cocktail on Saturday, March 28, at 5 p.m. at the Minister’s Lodge in Life Camp.

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Attendance at the pre-convention cocktail will be strictly by invitation, and the National Convention is slated for March 29 and 30, as confirmed by Mohammed, who also emphasized that the process is in line with electoral requirements.

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The party has notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the National Convention, and INEC has already monitored the party's ward, local government, and state congresses, with the National Convention expected to be no exception, according to Mohammed.

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The party has completed its state congresses in line with a court ruling, with only the zonal congresses for the South-East and North-West left, both scheduled for Saturday, as announced by Mohammed, who stated that the party has concluded all state congresses in line with the judgment of Justice Omotosho.