Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed have dismissed reports of any court order halting the party’s scheduled national convention.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the committee’s publicity secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the party had not received any legal directive stopping the convention slated for 29 and 30 March 2026.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) has worked tirelessly to ensure that this convention is not only credible and transparent but also inclusive and reflective of the collective aspirations of our members across the country. All necessary arrangements have been concluded to guarantee a smooth, peaceful, and successful exercise.
“We wish to assure all party faithful and the general public that this convention is being conducted in full compliance with the constitution of our party and in line with all relevant laws. The PDP remains a law-abiding institution, committed to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
“On recent developments, including attempts by certain individuals to disrupt this process, we urge all members to remain calm and focused. The party has consistently extended the hand of reconciliation, and that door remains open. However, we will not allow the progress and stability of our great party to be undermined,” he said.
The clarification follows moves by a faction led by Tanimu Turaki, which has filed an appeal challenging a Court of Appeal judgment that invalidated the party’s Ibadan convention, while also seeking an order to stop the upcoming exercise.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that the convention will proceed as planned.
Wike, who spoke after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, venue of the event, dismissed the Supreme Court appeal filed by the Turaki group, stating that it has no effect on the convention.
He noted that reconciliation within the party would continue after the exercise, stressing the importance of unity in a large political organisation.
“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.
“I have always said that in any group, there will be grievances. You cannot expect that in a family of two or three people, everyone will always be satisfied, let alone a party with millions of members.
“There will always be a few who are not happy. We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns, and see how we can accommodate them. What is most important is the overall interest of the party,” he said.
On zoning, the minister confirmed that key positions have already been allocated across regions, with the presidency zoned to the South and the chairmanship to the North.
“We have already zoned our positions. Every zone has its own slots. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North. We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier.
“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front, rather than the usual ‘unity list’ that often reflects internal divisions. There are no factions; everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking,” he added.
Wike also expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness, stating that arrangements for the convention are nearly complete and that about 2,500 delegates are expected to attend.
He further projected that the PDP would demonstrate its political strength in the 2027 general elections.
