Wike-Aligned PDP Faction Sets Abuja Convention for Late March Following Court Ruling

A faction of Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has scheduled its national convention for Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, 2026, in Abuja. The event will elect a new National Working Committee (NWC) and other statutory party organs.

The announcement came after what the group described as its 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, February 2, in Abuja. A communique issued by Abdulrahman Mohammed, identified as National Chairman of the faction’s Caretaker Committee, and Samuel Anyanwu, named National Secretary, confirmed that the NEC also approved a nationwide timetable for congresses at various party levels.

According to the communique, ward and local government congresses will hold in February, while state congresses are slated for March. The faction said these steps aim to transition the party from a caretaker arrangement to a fully elected leadership structure.

The NEC also extended the tenure of the National Caretaker Working Committee and related state and zonal caretaker committees until the scheduled congresses are completed. Sub-committees have been directed to begin logistical, administrative, and consultative planning to ensure a “transparent, inclusive, and credible convention,” the communique added.

The faction reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee as the only recognized national administrative organ pending the convention. Party members were urged to remain disciplined and united, with the faction insisting that the PDP can still rebuild as an electorally competitive force.

The move follows a Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan, which nullified the PDP’s November 15–16, 2025 convention that produced Taminu Turaki as National Chairman. Justice Uche Agomoh ruled that the Mohammed-Anyanwu Caretaker Committee remains the lawful NWC until a valid national convention is held and barred Turaki and others linked to the nullified convention from acting as national party officials.

At a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja on Monday, factional BoT Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa called on party leaders to prioritize collective interest over personal ambition. He acknowledged internal disputes and legal battles but stressed that the party has endured due to its institutions and respect for constitutional processes.

Mohammed thanked the BoT for its support and credited Wike for backing the caretaker leadership, noting that it strengthened the committee’s resolve to reposition the party. Plans for outstanding state congresses will be outlined in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth path to the national convention.

The NEC and BoT statements indicate that the Wike-aligned bloc is moving to consolidate its position, comply with court directives, and organise a convention it expects to be legally recognised.