The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced March 28 and 29, 2026, as the date for its national convention, where a new National Working Committee (NWC) and other statutory party organs will be elected.
The decision was taken at the faction’s 105th meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Monday in Abuja.
Congress Timetable Approved Nationwide
In a communiqué jointly signed by the factional Caretaker Committee Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, the NEC approved a nationwide congress timetable ahead of the convention.
According to the communiqué:
- Ward congresses: February 2026
- Local government congresses: February 2026
- State congresses: March 2026
The NEC said the timetable was approved in line with the party’s constitutional responsibilities and preparations for a smooth transition to an elected leadership.
Caretaker Committee Tenure Extended
The NEC also approved the extension of the tenure of the National Caretaker Working Committee, as well as affected state and zonal caretaker committees, pending the conduct of national, state and zonal congresses.
It directed the caretaker leadership to immediately activate convention sub-committees and commence full logistical and administrative preparations to ensure what it described as a transparent, inclusive and credible convention.
Court Ruling Strengthens Wike Bloc
The decision followed a Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan, which nullified the PDP National Convention held between November 15 and 16, 2025, that produced Taminu Turaki as National Chairman.
Justice Uche Agomoh affirmed that the Mohammed–Anyanwu-led Caretaker Committee remains the only recognised national administrative organ of the PDP pending a valid national convention.
The court also restrained Turaki and other officials elected at the Ibadan convention from parading themselves as national officers of the party.
BoT Urges Unity and Restraint
Speaking at the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja, factional BoT Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa described the PDP as being at a critical juncture and urged leaders to put collective interest above personal ambition.
He said the delay in holding congresses was deliberate to respect ongoing judicial processes.
“The PDP has passed through turbulent waters in recent months. Internal disagreements, leadership disputes and legal contests have tested our cohesion,” Ohuabunwa said, adding that the party endured through adherence to constitutional order.
Wike Praised for Support
Caretaker Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed thanked the BoT and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for supporting the committee, saying their backing had strengthened efforts to stabilise and reposition the party.
“Any moment from now, we shall roll out our timetable for outstanding congresses in some states that will usher in a seamless National Convention,” Mohammed said.
He urged party stakeholders to remain law-abiding, disciplined and committed to the ideals of the PDP, warning against complacency.
Power Struggle Deepens Ahead of 2027
The NEC and BoT resolutions signal the Wike-aligned faction’s determination to consolidate control of the PDP’s national structure, comply with court rulings and move decisively toward a legally recognised convention — a development that could significantly shape internal party dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
