Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are exploring reconciliation options following a Court of Appeal ruling that nullified the party’s Ibadan convention.
Sources within the party revealed that governors elected on the PDP platform and allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are holding marathon meetings to determine the best path forward.
The discussions are focused on either forming a harmonised caretaker committee or organising a unity convention to stabilise the party and prevent further internal division ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The efforts come after Monday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal, which upheld an earlier decision by the Federal High Court declaring the November 2025 PDP national convention invalid.
The convention, held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, had produced Taminu Turaki and other members of the party’s National Working Committee.
However, the appellate court, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, ruled that the convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution of Nigeria and the party’s own constitution.
The judgment intensified the PDP’s internal leadership crisis, which has split the party between governors’ loyalists and a faction aligned with Wike.
Earlier, PDP governors had endorsed the Ibadan convention and oversaw the transition from former Acting Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.
However, a rival faction loyal to Wike had already set up a 13-member caretaker committee on December 8. The committee appointed Mohammed Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as acting national secretary with a 60-day mandate.
Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in November 2025 resulted in clashes among supporters. The Nigeria Police Force later sealed the secretariat, which has remained closed since.
Both groups also sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but the electoral body declined to recognise either faction, leading to prolonged legal battles.
A source close to Wike’s camp said the Appeal Court judgment has opened the door for reconciliation efforts within the party.
He explained that leaders from both sides are considering various options to ensure the party remains viable and capable of presenting candidates in the 2027 elections.
“Discussions are already ongoing. We are ready to reconcile and move the party forward. What we are still trying to sort out are the modalities—whether to organise a convention or constitute a harmonised caretaker committee,” the source said.
Another insider from the governors’ camp said reconciliation would only succeed if the PDP is allowed to function freely as a credible opposition party and field candidates in the next general election.
According to the source, party leaders are determined to resolve internal disputes while adhering to the party constitution, the Electoral Act and Nigeria’s constitution.
Meanwhile, Anyanwu said the Court of Appeal judgment has cleared the path for the PDP’s proposed national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 in Abuja.
While inspecting the convention venue at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, he reassured party members and aspirants that they would be able to participate fully in the party’s electoral processes.
He said the convention would lead to the emergence of a full National Working Committee capable of conducting party primaries and preparing the PDP for future elections.
In a similar appeal for unity, Abdulrahman urged party members to set aside differences and work together for the party’s progress.
“Unity is important for the party at this stage. We call on all members to come together so that we can work for the progress of the party and democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
