Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that its planned national convention will proceed as scheduled, despite reports of legal attempts to halt the exercise.
Members of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee on Saturday said they had not received any court order stopping the convention slated for Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30, 2026.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the publicity secretary of the caretaker committee, Jungudo Mohammed, said the party had fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements and was fully prepared to conduct the exercise.
“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,” Mohammed said.
He stressed that the convention would be conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the laws of the country.
“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.”
Mohammed also addressed ongoing disagreements within the party, urging members to remain calm.
“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 added.
*Turaki Group Files Appeal*
The development comes after members of the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee informed journalists that they had filed an appeal challenging the Court of Appeal judgment that invalidated the Ibadan Convention.
Some members of the group also sought a court order to stop the convention being organised by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee.
*Wike Confirms Convention Will Hold*
Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also confirmed that the PDP convention would proceed as planned, noting that reconciliation efforts would continue after the exercise.
The minister dismissed the appeal filed at the Supreme Court by the Tanimu Turaki group, saying it would not affect the convention.
Speaking after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja on Friday night, Wike described reconciliation as an ongoing process.
“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone,” Wike said.
“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.”
Wike also confirmed that zoning arrangements for party positions had already been concluded.
“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.”
*Party 95% Ready For Convention*
On the level of preparedness, Wike said the party was nearing full readiness for the event.
“We are fully prepared. This visit is to assess final arrangements. As I said, we are about 95 percent ready, and by tomorrow, everything will be set.
“Seating arrangements for all states have been completed, and the VIP section is ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates.”
The former Rivers State governor also expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the PDP would surprise Nigerians with its strength.
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