The PDP fragile truce convention goes ahead despite court threats with party leaders saying the 2026 National Convention will be held as scheduled today.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) stated that internal divisions and reported legal challenges will not stop the exercise.
Spokesman for the NCWC, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said at a press briefing in Abuja that preparations for the convention are complete and in full compliance with party and national laws.
He said the event reflects the party’s commitment to democratic principles and readiness for the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed emphasised that the convention will be “credible, transparent and in line with the law,” rejecting claims of looming litigation.
“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,” he said.
The NCWC also said it has not been served with any legal notice that would impede the exercise. “As you have heard, the convention will go ahead tomorrow, and all arrangements have been concluded,” Mohammed said, adding that the event will take place on March 29 as scheduled.
The committee distanced its process from that of a rival faction aligned with Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed. It insisted its convention is backed by “the courts, the law and the members of the party,” while describing the rival process as lacking legal support.
While acknowledging internal disagreements, the NCWC described such differences as normal in a large party.
“Even within an extended family, you do not expect everyone to be on the same page,” Mohammed said, noting the PDP remains the largest political party in membership.
Mohammed reiterated that reconciliation efforts remain open. “Anyone who feels aggrieved and chooses not to align with us is within their constitutional rights,” he said, adding that the party will continue to engage dissenting members.
At the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, venue of the convention in Abuja, about 2,500 delegates had arrived ahead of the event. The party said it plans to use the 2027 general elections to demonstrate its strength and unity.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, inspected facilities at the venue and reassured delegates that arrangements are almost complete.
Wike dismissed legal challenges from the Tanimu Turaki group, saying pending appeals will not affect the convention.
Wike described the PDP as broad enough to accommodate diverse views. “There is room for accommodation,” he said. “In any group there will be grievances…there will always be a few who are not happy.”
He also outlined zoning arrangements within the party, stating that the presidency is zoned to the South while the chairmanship is zoned to the North. Wike said the party has agreed on its direction and is prepared for the exercise.
The National Convention is expected to run from March 29 to March 30, with the NCWC affirming its commitment to legal compliance and unity within the PDP.
