The two Peoples Democratic Party factions have restarted the faltering peace process ahead of the March 29-30, 2026, national convention being championed by the bloc led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The bloc headed by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and supported by the party governors confirmed on Wednesday that a fresh reconciliation process aimed at uniting aggrieved factions within the party had commenced.
Turaki, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Abuja, explained that the reconciliation, which was kick-started on Tuesday night, is yielding some results.
He stated, “In obedience to the advisory of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, a few weeks ago, that parties in the suit should explore reconciliation to save the party from further strife and provide a platform for aspirants to seek elective offices in the coming elections, the Board of Trustees of the party, ably led by His Excellency, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, constituted a high-powered committee to interface with our estranged party members, with a view to resolving outstanding issues and repositioning the party for the elections.
“In furtherance of this, the National Working Committee immediately issued a notice postponing the National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings earlier scheduled to be held two days later, as a demonstration of good faith. We also de-escalated combative communication on all fronts. ‘’
He adds, “While we expected a reciprocal gesture, what we have witnessed instead is the weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric and the issuance of derogatory statements.”
Turaki said they were mindful of the dispute’s implications amid the tight Electoral Act timelines and urged the other faction to act in the party’s overall interest.
“I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution. We urge our supporters across the board to immediately de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions, so as not to jeopardise the ongoing peace efforts.
“To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that, by the grace of God, our party will field candidates for all elective offices, in compliance with Article 6(2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).“As we are aware, democracy is not merely about the periodic conduct of elections; it also requires a virile opposition and an active civil society to hold government accountable. As Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party in the current republic, with the rare privilege of having led this country for 16 years, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy, even as an opposition party.”
Turaki expressed confidence in the Wike faction, noting that reconciliation is still possible.
“We have confidence that we can still work together and that this reconciliation will work. In life, there are times to fight, and there are also times to make peace. But even when you choose to fight and go to war and win the war, you also need to win the peace. So, if you have a pathway to winning the peace without necessarily going to war, why not take peace and forego the war?
“Let me also add that we understand that in human life, every time something good is coming your way, there are people from unimaginable and unbelievable quarters; sometimes, those you think are friends or family who will be the first to rise and truncate those good things coming your way.
“I am not saying there are no good elements on both sides whose sole intention is to prevent peace in this country. I am saying some people are fighting so that this party will go down. From last night, these two elements have been identified and flushed out in the discussions between the two sides.”
The party leader vowed to deploy all available means to achieve peace and promised that all the court cases would be withdrawn once the reconciliation is concluded.
He noted, “Matters in court continue. Even as I speak, there are cases filed by both parties, including appeals at the Court of Appeal. Some appeals have been filed by them, others by us, though some have not been taken.
‘’As a senior lawyer, I can say that the best judges would advise parties to explore out-of-court settlements whenever possible.
“In Nigeria, once parties go to court, more issues emerge, and relationships rarely recover. We have chosen the path of peace in the overall interest of party members, particularly our teeming supporters who want PDP to remain an effective platform for the forthcoming elections.
‘’As soon as we reach agreeable terms, which we will honour even in the Court of Appeal, we will willingly withdraw all cases whether at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or elsewhere to give peace a chance. All cases will give way to peace as soon as we reach that point.
Asked if his bloc was willing to compromise for the peace process to succeed, he responded, “On the issue of compromise, we are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow. We are ready to make all sorts of sacrifices in the overall interest of the party. PDP will not die. Everything possible will be done to make this reconciliation work; nothing is impossible.
‘’Issues such as attendance at the convention are among those to be discussed. Once these matters are deliberated, the parties and delegates will decide whether the convention needs to continue. These issues are on the table and will be considered carefully.”
Meanwhile, the FCT minister has dismissed reports of a split within the PDP, insisting the party remains united as it prepares for its national convention.
Wike spoke to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, after inspecting several ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the capital city.
Addressing speculation about internal divisions, he maintained that disagreements among members do not amount to factionalisation.
“We have only one PDP, no faction,” he said. “I don’t know which camp you are talking about. There is only one PDP. Some individuals may not be happy, yes, but there is no faction.”
The minister noted that while some grievances may exist, reconciliation efforts are still ongoing and can proceed alongside preparations for the convention.
“That there is a convention does not mean there will be no reconciliation. Everything has its own time,” he said.
Wike’s claim comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis plaguing the party.
Governors of the PDP had earlier backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure.
However, a faction loyal to Wike later formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate pending a substantive convention.
Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat.
Legal battles followed, culminating in a February 12 hearing at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party’s constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.
