A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has outlined conditions for reconciliation with a rival group led by former minister Taminu Turaki amid ongoing leadership disputes within the party.
The crisis follows a Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the PDP’s November 2025 national convention, which produced the Turaki-led National Working Committee. In response, a caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed has assumed control of the party and announced plans to proceed with congresses in some states and a national convention scheduled for March 28 and 29.
The caretaker committee has also fixed the party’s presidential primary for May 23, in line with preparations for the 2027 general election. However, tensions remain between the factions, with both sides holding separate meetings of their Boards of Trustees.
Speaking after a meeting with leaders of the National Assembly caucus in Abuja, Wike said reconciliation would only be possible if the rival faction recognised the authority of the caretaker committee and respected the timelines for the party’s congresses, convention and presidential primary.
He stressed that genuine reconciliation must be based on transparency and sincerity, warning against what he described as clandestine political manoeuvres. Wike also rejected suggestions to form another caretaker committee, insisting that preparations for the upcoming convention had already been finalised.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro appealed for a middle ground, urging party stakeholders to prioritise unity and the survival of the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Similarly, the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, described the Court of Appeal judgment as a turning point that could restore confidence in the party, noting that several lawmakers might reconsider joining the PDP if stability returns.
