PDP crisis: Convention will hold despite reconciliation moves, says Wike-backed committee 

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee backed by Nyesom Wike has declared that ongoing reconciliation efforts between rival factions will not disrupt the party’s scheduled National Convention.

The committee maintained that the convention, fixed for March 29 and 30 in Abuja, will proceed as planned regardless of the outcome of peace talks within the party.

It also disclosed that the Turaki faction had been clearly briefed on non-negotiable aspects of the reconciliation process, stressing that the convention remains a priority.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Jagunda Haruna Mohammed, confirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been duly notified of the convention.

He further announced that a National Convention Planning Committee has been constituted, with details of its membership and subcommittees to be unveiled on Thursday.

“Reconciliation is a continuous process and cannot in any way hinder the caretaker committee from conducting the convention,” he said.

Mohammed added that representatives of the Turaki group who attended the last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting were informed that certain issues remain non-negotiable, including the legitimacy of the caretaker committee and the conduct of the National Convention.

“So irrespective of whatever reconciliation that is likely to happen, it will not affect the conduct and processes leading to this convention. We are open. We are still open for reconciliation.

“The Independent Electoral Commission had been notified about the PDP National Convention long ago, and in line with the notice, they have already supervised and monitored our ward, local government, and state congresses. The National Convention will not be an exception.

“We have concluded all state congresses in line with the judgment of Justice Omotosho. But before we can proceed with any convention, we have to conclude all congresses. That is how it has been done. We have just finished with that of Plateau yesterday, and then the Zonal congresses for the South East and North West will be on Saturday”.

He said the subcommittees whose membership will be announced include  Venue, Security, Entertainment, Welfare, Accreditation, Media and Publicity, Protocol, Accommodation and Transport, Electoral Committee, Zoning, Screening, Medical, the National Convention Monitoring Subcommittee and Secretariat Subcommittee.

He said the subs committees were constituted in accordance with the provisions of Article 1.3(c)(i) of the electoral guidelines, saying “we expect to publish the names and membership of these committees and subcommittees tomorrow.

He said the committees will be inaugurated on Saturday, March 21, while the Zoning Committee is expected to meet on  Sunday, 22nd March 2026 to zone the various positions across the geopolitical zones. 

He said further that an emergency NEC meeting of the party will be held on Monday, 23rd March at the FCT Minister’s Lodge, Life Camp, Abuja, while sales of forms will commence after the NEC meeting and last till Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

He also announced that hearing of appeals will take place on Thursday, March 26, while a pre-convention cocktail has been scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at the Minister’s Lodge, Life Camp.

Mohammed said, “So, gentlemen, so far, this is what we are expecting to have as a line-up of activities in the build-up to the National Convention. Of course, you know that the National Convention is slated for 29th and 30th of March this year.

The convention is scheduled to hold at the National Stadium, Velodrome Hall.