PDP Caretaker Committee Moves Ahead with National Convention Despite Legal Challenges

ABUJA – The Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed that the party’s national convention will proceed as scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026.

Despite reports of a pending court injunction sought by a rival faction, the caretaker committee’s Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, told journalists in Abuja on Saturday that the leadership has not been served with any legal order to halt the exercise.

Commitment to Party Constitution

Mohammed emphasized that the committee has met all legal and constitutional requirements to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.

The NCWC has worked tirelessly to ensure that this convention is credible and reflective of the collective aspirations of our members,” Mohammed stated. “We remain a law-abiding institution committed to strengthening democracy, and we will not allow the party’s stability to be undermined by attempts to disrupt the process.

The statement follows claims by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), which recently filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging a judgment that invalidated a previous convention held in Ibadan. Members of the Turaki group are reportedly seeking a stay of execution to prevent the current caretaker committee from holding the Abuja event.

Wike Dismisses Legal Hurdles

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also dismissed the impact of the pending appeal during a final inspection of the convention venue at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome on Friday night.

Wike maintained that the judicial filings by the Turaki group would not stall the event, noting that the party is "95 percent ready" to host approximately 2,500 delegates.

Key Highlights of the Convention Strategy:

• Zoning Formula: The Minister confirmed a consensus arrangement where the party’s Presidency is zoned to the South, and the National Chairmanship is zoned to the North.

• Internal Reconciliation: Wike acknowledged internal grievances but insisted that reconciliation is a "continuous process" that will proceed after the convention.

• Unified Front: In a departure from previous "unity lists" that often signaled internal friction, Wike claimed the party is presenting a unified stance for the first time in years.

Eyes on 2027

The former Rivers State Governor expressed confidence that the successful conduct of this convention would serve as a launchpad for the 2027 general elections. He stated that the PDP intends to demonstrate its organizational strength and "shock Nigerians" with its level of preparedness for the next election cycle.