The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction, which is loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has scheduled its national convention on March 28 and 29, 2026, in Abuja, when the party will nominate a new National Working Committee and other statutory organs.
The announcement came following the faction’s 105th meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee, which took place on Monday in Abuja.
According to a communique signed by Abdulrahman Mohammed, factional National Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, and Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary, the NEC approved a timetable for party congresses across the country, with ward and local government congresses in February and state congresses in March.
“Pursuant to its constitutional responsibilities and in line with preparations for a smooth transition to an elected leadership, NEC approved and confirmed the following schedule for party congresses nationwide: Ward Congresses: February; Local Government Congresses: February; and State Congresses: March,” the communique partly read.
It added, “NEC further approved and confirmed March 28th and 29th, 2026, as the date for the PDP National Convention, to be held at Abuja, for the purpose of electing members of the National Working Committee and other statutory organs of the Party.”
The NEC extended the tenure of the National Caretaker Working Committee and affected state and zonal caretaker committees until national, state, and zonal congresses are held.
It directed the National Caretaker Committee “to immediately activate convention subcommittees and commence full logistical, administrative, and consultative preparations to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and credible convention.”
The NEC emphasized the legitimacy of the Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee, with Anyanwu as secretary, describing it as “the only lawful national administrative organ of the Party, fully empowered to act as the National Working Committee pending the conduct of the National Convention.”
It called on members at all levels to remain disciplined, loyal, and committed to party unity, stressing that “the PDP remains committed to rebuilding a strong, disciplined, democratic, and electorally competitive party capable of providing credible leadership and governance to Nigerians.”
The decision follows a Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan that nullified the PDP’s National Convention, which took place between November 15 and 16, 2025, and elected Taminu Turaki as PDP National Chairman.
The court also confirmed that the Caretaker Committee, chaired by Mohammed and Anyanwu, is the sole recognized NWC pending a proper national convention.
Justice Uche Agomoh stopped Turaki and other officials reportedly elected at the Ibadan convention from representing the party as national officers.
Speaking at the party’s Board of Trustees meeting in Abuja on Monday, factional BoT Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa described the PDP as being at a watershed moment, urging leaders to put common interest ahead of personal ambition.
He stated that the delay in holding congresses was purposeful in order to respect ongoing court processes.
“The PDP has passed through turbulent waters in recent months. Internal disagreements, leadership disputes, and legal contests have tested our cohesion. Yet, the party has endured; not because of personalities, but because of institutions; not because of noise, but because of restraint; not because of force, but because of fidelity to constitutional order,” Ohuabunwa said.
The factional chairman, Mohammed, thanked the BoT for its assistance, which he regarded as critical to the party’s stability.
He praised the FCT Minister, Wike, for his support, saying it enhanced the committee’s resolve to reposition the party.
“Any moment from now, we shall roll out our timetable for activities that have to do with outstanding congresses in some states that will usher in a seamless National Convention,” Mohammed said.
He urged party stakeholders to be law-abiding and loyal to the PDP’s objectives, stressing that the party could not afford to be complacent.
The NEC and BoT declarations reflect the Wike-aligned faction’s intention to strengthen unity, respect court judgments, and take serious steps toward a legally recognized convention.
