Camp

  The Peoples Democratic Party leadership, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the party had regained stability after weeks of internal tensions and legal disputes, as it prepares for its national convention on March 29 and 30. Speaking at the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, told party leaders that recent state and zonal congresses were largely successful, though he acknowledged underlying strains within the party. “We have made significant progress in stabilising our structures and restoring confidence in our party. “There is no victor and no vanquished—only a shared commitment to rebuild, reposition, and strengthen our party,” Mohammed said. The meeting comes amid lingering factional disagreements and court cases that have tested the opposition party’s cohesion in recent months. He added that recent court rulings had been handled “with a spirit of reconciliation and inclusiveness,” and urged members to move past divisions. “Our party remains open to constructive engagement, dialogue, and reconciliation,” he said. The PDP is scheduled to hold its national convention on March 29 and 30, a gathering expected to determine the party’s leadership direction ahead of future elections. Mohammed described the event as “a critical milestone that will shape the future direction of our party.” He called on party members to avoid actions that could deepen internal rifts. “As we approach the National Convention, I urge all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions. “The eyes of the nation are upon us,” the NCWC Chairman noted. Mohammed also praised party figures who have played roles in recent negotiations and organisational efforts, including former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who chairs the convention planning committee, and Wike, whom he described as a stabilising influence. “His commitment to the ideals of the PDP, even in challenging times, stands as a testament to true leadership,” Mohammed said of Wike. Despite the conciliatory tone, the NEC meeting highlighted the delicate balance the party must maintain as it attempts to unify competing interests ahead of the convention. Mohammed insisted the PDP remains “a formidable political force and a credible alternative for governance in Nigeria,” but stressed that unity would be critical to sustaining that position. “What is required of us at this moment is unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and commitment to the ideals that bind us together,” he said. Also addressing the NEC, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, described the moment as critical for the party’s future and called for caution and collective responsibility. Ohuabunwa commended party leadership and members for conducting ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, describing them as evidence of the PDP’s commitment to democratic principles. He also highlighted the importance of the ongoing electronic registration of members, urging widespread participation. “The ongoing electronic registration of members (e-registration) is a major step in the right direction. It reflects our commitment to modernisation, transparency, and credibility in the management of our Party. “A credible membership register is the foundation of any serious political organisation. It strengthens internal democracy, enhances planning, and builds confidence among members and stakeholders. “I therefore encourage all members across the federation to embrace this process and ensure its success,” he said. On the issue of zoning, Ohuabunwa urged party leaders to approach recommendations with fairness and unity. “I urge members of this distinguished Committee to receive the recommendations of the Zoning Committee with an open mind, guided by equity, justice, and the overriding interest of unity. “No arrangement is perfect, but what is most important is our collective willingness to accommodate one another for the greater good of the Party,” he said. He emphasised that the PDP’s strength lies in its ability to manage differences and remain united. “Distinguished members, the strength of the PDP has never been in uniformity of opinion, but in our ability to manage our differences and emerge stronger as one united family. “Let us therefore rise above personal preferences and sectional interests, and focus on what will preserve the stability, cohesion, and progress of our Party. Nigeria is watching. Our members are watching. The expectations are high. We must not disappoint,” he said. Ohuabunwa called for unity and reaffirmed confidence in the party’s leadership. The meeting comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis that has plagued the party since November 2025. Governors of the PDP had earlier backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure. Leadership was handed over from former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9. However, a faction loyal to Wike later formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate. Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat. Legal battles followed, culminating in a February 12 hearing at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party’s constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.