Fresh efforts to reconcile warring camps within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have begun, as leaders push for unity ahead of the party’s planned national convention scheduled for March 29–30, 2026.
The faction led by Tanimu Turaki, with backing from PDP governors, confirmed on Wednesday that a renewed peace process is underway to address lingering disputes within the party.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Turaki said discussions, which started Tuesday night, were already yielding results.
He said the move followed advice from the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, which urged parties in the dispute to pursue reconciliation to prevent further crisis and ensure the party remains viable for upcoming elections.
According to him, the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Adolphus Wabara, set up a high-level committee to engage aggrieved members and resolve outstanding issues.
Confidence-Building Measures Announced
Turaki said the National Working Committee demonstrated goodwill by postponing earlier scheduled National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings while also reducing hostile public exchanges.
He, however, expressed concern that the opposing camp had not responded in kind, accusing some actors of escalating tensions through inflammatory statements.
Despite this, he noted that both sides had now “broken the ice” and were exploring options for a lasting resolution, urging supporters to avoid actions that could derail the process.
Assurance to Aspirants: Vow to Withdraw Court Cases
Turaki assured party aspirants that the PDP would present candidates for all elective offices in line with its constitution, stressing the party’s continued relevance as a credible opposition platform.
He expressed optimism that reconciliation would succeed, adding that peace remained preferable to prolonged conflict.
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Turaki also disclosed that all pending court cases involving both factions would be withdrawn once an agreement is reached.
“Once we settle, we will withdraw all cases at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or elsewhere. Peace will take priority,” he said, adding that his camp was ready to make concessions in the interest of unity.
Wike Dismisses Factional claims
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, dismissed claims that the PDP is divided.
Speaking in Abuja after inspecting infrastructure projects, Wike insisted the party remains one.
“There is only one PDP. Some members may be dissatisfied, but that does not mean there is a faction,” he said.
He added that reconciliation efforts could continue alongside preparations for the national convention.
Background: Leadership Crisis Deepen
The crisis within the party has persisted for months. PDP governors had earlier backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Turaki and members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure.
However, a rival group aligned with Wike later constituted a 13-member caretaker committee, appointing Mohammed Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as acting national secretary, with a 60-day mandate pending a fresh convention.
Tensions escalated on November 18 when attempts by both camps to access the party’s national secretariat ended in chaos, forcing the Nigeria Police Force to seal the premises.
The dispute later moved to court, culminating in a March 9 ruling by the Court of Appeal, which nullified the Ibadan convention for breaching the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
