Fresh efforts to reconcile warring factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have begun ahead of the party’s proposed national convention scheduled for March 29–30, 2026, being pushed by a bloc aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
A rival group led by Tanimu Turaki and backed by PDP governors confirmed on Wednesday that a renewed peace process is underway to unite aggrieved members of the party.
Speaking in Abuja, Turaki said the reconciliation initiative, which commenced Tuesday night, was already showing promising signs. He explained that the move followed advice from the Court of Appeal in Ibadan urging parties in the dispute to seek an amicable resolution to prevent further internal crisis and ensure the party remains viable for upcoming elections.
According to him, the PDP Board of Trustees, chaired by Adolphus Wabara, constituted a high-level committee to engage estranged members and resolve lingering issues. As part of confidence-building measures, the National Working Committee postponed scheduled meetings and toned down confrontational rhetoric.
However, Turaki noted that while his faction expected similar gestures, it instead encountered hostile statements from the opposing side. Despite this, he confirmed that leaders from both camps have begun discussions aimed at reaching a lasting resolution and urged supporters to avoid actions that could derail the peace process.
He assured party members that PDP would present candidates for all elective positions in line with its constitution and reiterated the party’s commitment to strengthening democracy as a major opposition force.
Turaki expressed optimism that reconciliation with the Wike camp would succeed, emphasizing that both sides are willing to make compromises. He added that ongoing court cases would be withdrawn once a mutual agreement is reached.
Meanwhile, Wike has dismissed claims of a split within the PDP, insisting the party remains united despite internal disagreements.
“There is only one PDP. Some individuals may be dissatisfied, but that does not amount to factionalisation,” he said while addressing journalists in Abuja after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects.
He maintained that reconciliation efforts can continue alongside preparations for the national convention, stressing that disagreements are normal in political parties.
The crisis stems from a prolonged leadership tussle within the PDP. While party governors had earlier backed the Ibadan convention that produced Turaki and members of the National Working Committee, a rival faction loyal to Wike later set up a caretaker committee led by Mohammed Abdulrahman.
Attempts by both factions to assert control over the party secretariat in November led to chaos, prompting police intervention and a shutdown of the facility. Legal disputes followed, culminating in a Court of Appeal ruling on March 9 that nullified the Ibadan convention for violating relevant laws and party regulations.
Despite the tensions, both camps now appear to be exploring dialogue as a pathway to restoring unity within the party ahead of critical electoral activities.
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