Following Monday’s Court of Appeal ruling, leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are exploring reconciliation measures to prevent the party from collapsing ahead of the 2027 general elections. Governors aligned with the party and the faction of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are reportedly holding meetings to determine whether to constitute a harmonised Caretaker Committee or organise a unity convention.
Sources within the party, speaking on condition of anonymity, said both camps are finalising modalities and conditions for reconciliation. Acting Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu of the Wike-backed caretaker committee, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have all called on stakeholders to set aside personal interests, foster unity, and strengthen the PDP ahead of future elections.
The Ibadan Convention held on November 15, 2025, which elected Tanimu Turaki and other National Working Committee members, was previously endorsed by PDP governors. However, a Wike-aligned faction formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee on December 8, with Abdulrahman as acting chairman and Anyanwu as acting secretary, amid disputes that led to the closure of the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, by police.
The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, affirmed the Federal High Court’s ruling that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Nigerian Constitution, and the party’s constitution, nullifying its outcome. Since the ruling, both factions have engaged in discussions to safeguard the party and ensure its participation in the 2027 elections.
A source loyal to Wike’s camp said reconciliation discussions are ongoing, with the focus on either holding a convention or forming a harmonised caretaker committee. Similarly, a governors’ camp insider stated that reconciliation is essential for the PDP to function freely as an opposition party and field candidates for key positions.
Acting National Secretary Anyanwu, while inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja ahead of the upcoming convention on March 29 and 30, reassured PDP aspirants of their eligibility to participate. He confirmed that a full-fledged National Working Committee would be in place by April 1, ensuring primaries and elections proceed smoothly.
Caretaker Chairman Abdulrahman emphasised unity, assuring party members that the forthcoming convention would be transparent, credible, and inclusive. “We are willing to do everything possible to ensure a smooth national convention. This victory is not for an individual or group—it is for all of us,” he said.
Former Senate President Saraki also reiterated that continued litigation would jeopardise the chances of party members seeking to contest elections. He called on leaders to rise above personal interests and work towards an inclusive national convention under INEC guidelines, stressing the need to protect grassroots members who have invested in the party.
At an expanded PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja, BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, Turaki, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the ruling as a fresh opportunity to strengthen the party. They emphasised adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law while working towards pragmatic solutions.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors Forum, Makinde called the period challenging but expressed optimism that the party would emerge stronger. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, highlighted that any reconciliation must be principle-based, allowing the PDP to survive and function as a genuine opposition party rather than becoming an appendage of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The expanded BoT meeting, which included members of the Turaki-led National Working Committee, governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, and state chairmen, is scheduled to resume discussions today.
