Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the camp of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are moving to close ranks by exploring options to either constitute a harmonized caretaker committee or hold a unity convention aimed at preventing the party from collapsing following Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment.
PDP leaders, commenting on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the subject, told our correspondent that both sides are holding marathon meetings to finalize the terms and conditions of reconciliation.
This occurs as Acting Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu of the Wike-backed caretaker committee, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki urge all stakeholders to put aside personal interests, foster unity, and collaborate to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governors had previously approved the Ibadan Convention on November 15, which elected Taminu Turaki and other National Working Committee members to four-year terms.
They also handled the transition of leadership from former Acting Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki, which occurred before Damagum’s tenure expired on December 9.
In response, a faction loyal to the FCT minister formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee on December 8, selecting Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and Anyanwu as acting national secretary, among others, for a 60-day term.
Attempts by both the Wike-aligned group and the governors’ side to convene meetings in the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, on November 18, 2025, resulted in physical confrontations. The Nigeria Police Force then sealed the secretariat, which has been closed since.
Both factions later sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Agency, but the agency declined to admit either group, resulting in lengthy court battles.
The Court of Appeal heard the consolidated cases related to the PDP leadership crisis on February 12 and issued its decision on Monday.
The appellate court, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, upheld the Federal High Court’s decision in Abuja, which held that the processes leading up to the PDP National Convention, which was supported by the governors and held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, violated the Electoral Act, the Nigerian Constitution, and the party constitution.
The court determined that the convention that produced Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee was not conducted in accordance with the law, rendering the outcome invalid.
According to a source close to Wike’s camp, since the appeal court decision, leaders from both factions have been discussing how to protect the party and ensure it offers candidates for the 2027 elections.
He stated, “You see, since the appeal court judgment, what I am aware of is that our side here, if you listen to what His Excellency, the former Rivers State Governor, said, called for peace and a truce. So, it is a signal that we are ready for reconciliation.
“The discussion is already ongoing. We are ready to reconcile and to move the party forward. It is in the interest of the party that we all work together.
“What we are still trying to sort out are the modalities. How do we go about it? Is it to organize a convention or to constitute a harmonized caretaker committee? All these are still part of what is on the table and under discussion. At the right time, Nigerians will be informed.
“For now, I assure you that the party and the leaders, from both camps, are already discussing reconciliation. If an agreement is reached, I am sure Nigerians will be informed. If not, then I am afraid it will affect many things and our members’ ambitions.”
An insider in the governors’ camp claimed that they are willing to reconcile if the PDP is allowed to operate freely as an opposition party and present candidates for the 2027 elections.
He stated, “Reconciliation is vital for the party at this moment to preserve the PDP. On our part, we are ready to reconcile with anyone willing to support the PDP in its efforts to thrive as a genuine opposition party. Our main concern, however, is that some people may not want the party to have a presidential candidate or candidates for key positions, which we see as a threat.
“Discussions among leaders are already ongoing, including in our recent meeting, on how to close the gaps among all stakeholders and PDP leaders. The focus is on putting the party back on track and determining the best approach to reconciliation.
“Whatever steps we take to achieve reconciliation will be guided by the PDP Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Nigerian Constitution. We will consider all options, whether through a convention or a caretaker committee, and Nigerians will be informed in due course.’
The party chieftain adds, “Reconciliation will only succeed if it is widely embraced by party members and the PDP is allowed to function freely as an opposition party.” The party must be allowed to field a presidential candidate and present candidates for the 2027 elections, and we must address the issue of party structure. Any arrangement that undermines this objective cannot be considered a meaningful reconciliation. Then, we will come up with our plan B.”
Hinting at the reconciliation efforts, Anyanwu recalled that the FCT minister, in his reaction to Monday’s judgment, stated that the judicial decision has prepared the way for the approaching national convention on March 29 and 30, which calls for unity of purpose.
Speaking while inspecting the convention venue, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, Anyanwu reassured PDP contenders that their participation in the party’s electoral processes is not a cause for anxiety.
“I just want to use the opportunity to tell our party faithful, all those members who want to contest an election under the platform of the PDP, that they should not be afraid.
“Initially, they thought that we didn’t have candidates in the FCT. They were thinking about who was going to sign their forms. But the appeal court has affirmed this caretaker working committee, and by the time we have our convention, we will have a full-fledged national working committee of the party.
“And of course, if you are going to run in an election under the PDP, rest assured you will not be disqualified. Rest assured that somebody is going to sign your forms. Do not worry about the excuses given by those who have defected, such as that they were worried about who would sign their forms.
“By April 1st, we would have gotten a full-fledged National Working Committee. We would have been sworn into office. Of course, they are going to do our primaries. People will participate. And I am sure that the PDP is going to win massively across the country.”
In his speech, Caretaker Chairman Abdulrahman asked party members to be together, promising them that the upcoming convention would be transparent, credible, and acceptable to all stakeholders.
He stated, “And with the leadership of our leaders and the position of the National Caretaker Working Committee, we are willing to do everything possible to make sure that we have a smooth national convention that we have never, ever had before.
“Unity is important for the party at this stage. So, we call on all members of our party to come so that we can work together for the progress of the party and democracy in Nigeria. We are not claiming that the victory is for an individual or a certain group. It is a victory for all. And we should all put the appeal court judgment aside and come to work for the progress of the party.”
Earlier, while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Abdulrahman stated that the caretaker committee remains the only recognized leadership of the PDP.
“I want to make it clear at this time that the National Caretaker Working Committee remains the only national leadership recognized by law and the party.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee is the only legitimate body that can present candidates in the build-up to the 2027 general elections. As such, I urge all stakeholders, party leaders, party members, and supporters to rally around the National Caretaker Working Committee as we prepare to approach activities towards the 2027 general elections.
“As we proceed with the preparations towards our national convention, we shall wait for the Certified True Copy of the judgment by the Court of Appeal to prepare ourselves for further defense of the party at the Supreme Court, if any.
“Most importantly, I want to call on all party stakeholders, leaders, and members to unite for the betterment of our great party. Enough of the litigation that will delay our activities towards the 2027 general elections and off-season elections.”
The PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, Turaki, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have said the recent judgment offers a fresh opportunity to strengthen and reaffirm the party, noting that history would look favorably upon their actions.
Speaking during the expanded BoT meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Wabara mentioned that the leaders have important decisions to make to safeguard the PDP.
“We need to find a solution. We need to talk about the judgment. In fact, the Board considers the judgment an order for the party to begin again. We respect the law. So, this is an opportunity for us to begin again. And that’s why we are all here.
“Having said so, it’s not a day for speech-making. It’s a day that we have to be very serious with the decisions we are going to arrive at, as we’ve always done with the board. We obey the Constitution. We must work in accordance with the Constitution. And you can never go wrong if you abide by the Constitution and the rule of law.”
On his part, Turaki expressed worry that Nigerians, including both current and former PDP members, are troubled by the developments in the country’s political landscape and within the party.
“Since our convention in November last year in Ibadan, we have strived to make sure that we keep the hope of millions of Nigerians alive in democracy and in party politics through the instrumentality of our party. Indeed, we have worked hard to make sure that the fortunes of our party are increased. I leave you, indeed, and Nigerians to be the judge of whether the little we have done was positive or what impact it has made.
“In the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, yesterday (Monday), it becomes imperative that our leaders must sit down and then consider the situation on the ground and then come up with workable and implementable options that will save this party and indeed save Nigeria’s democracy.
“So, there can never be a better time than now, especially when you look at the compacted nature of the 2026 Electoral Act that has been passed into law by the National Assembly.”
