The Wike/Anyanwu faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to hold the party’s National Convention on March 28 and 29 in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The decision follows last week’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which affirmed the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee as the legitimate leadership of the party.
Justice Uche Agomoh also nullified the PDP convention held in Ibadan on November 16, 2025, along with all decisions taken at the gathering, ruling that the exercise was conducted in violation of earlier court orders issued by two Federal High Courts.
At the voided convention, Kabiru Turaki (SAN) and other members of his National Working Committee (NWC) were elected, while several senior party figures, including Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, and Senator Mao Ohunabuwa, were expelled. The court set aside all those actions.
The judge further directed that only a caretaker committee should administer the PDP pending the conduct of a fresh convention to elect new leaders.
In a joint statement, Caretaker Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu said new members of the National Working Committee would be elected at the March convention.
They explained that the decision to convene the convention was taken during the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the official residence of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
The party secretariat, Wadata Plaza, remains under police lock following clashes between rival factions.
To restore stability and constitutional order, the NEC approved a timetable for congresses nationwide. Ward and local government congresses are scheduled for February, while state congresses will hold in March.
The committee was also mandated to immediately activate convention sub-committees and begin full logistical, administrative and consultative preparations to ensure a transparent and credible process.
The NEC reaffirmed the Mohammed-led caretaker committee as the only lawful national administrative organ of the party and extended the tenure of caretaker committees at the state and zonal levels to avoid any leadership vacuum.
Welcoming the court ruling, the faction said the judgment validated its leadership structure and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the caretaker committee.
Mohammed described the ruling as bringing clarity and legitimacy to the party’s leadership, declaring that the period of uncertainty had ended.
He said the judgment provided “much-needed legal clarity” and strengthened the party after months of internal disputes and court challenges.
According to him, the PDP emerged from 2025 “refined, strengthened and reoriented,” adding that the party is now ready to resume its activities without hesitation.
Calling for reconciliation, Mohammed urged members to abandon divisive tendencies and focus on rebuilding trust within the party.
He also commended Wike for his leadership during the crisis and acknowledged former Senate President Bukola Saraki for advocating due process and the rule of law.
Wike, speaking at the meeting, said he remained committed to the survival, stability and success of the PDP and expressed particular interest in developments within the Oyo State chapter. He added that the party would await clear directives from the caretaker committee regarding the congresses.
However, the Turaki faction rejected the proposed convention.
The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, dismissed the plan as illegitimate, accusing Wike and his allies of acting outside the party’s structure.
He said the group would wait for the outcome of appeals in higher courts, expressing confidence that the appellate judgment would uphold the Ibadan convention as reflecting the will of genuine PDP members.
