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.
“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.
During the inspection tour, Wike reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to ensuring quality and timely delivery of projects.
“In our usual programme, we make sure we go round to see what the contractors are doing and the quality of jobs they will hand over,” he said.
He disclosed that a bridge project near the Fire Service in Abuja is nearing completion, with contractors projecting delivery within five months.
“From what we have seen, it is a very quality job. I commend the company,” Wike stated.
The minister also confirmed that the N5 road project, handled by Julius Berger, has been completed and will be inaugurated as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
At the Nigerian Law School, Wike expressed satisfaction with the completion of 10 staff bungalows, describing them as fully furnished and ready for use.
He also assessed ongoing hostel projects, commending progress on the female hostel while raising concerns about delays in the male hostel.
“I am quite impressed with the female hostel, but I am not impressed with the level of work on the male hostel. They were awarded at the same time,” he said, noting that contractors have pledged completion by October or November.
Describing the intervention as unprecedented, Wike said the government’s effort marks a significant milestone for the institution.
“This is the first time a government is trying to provide basic infrastructure for the Nigerian Law School,” he stated.
n funding and project execution, the minister attributed the administration’s performance to prudent resource management and political will.
“It is not about the amount of money, but commitment. You can have all the money and still not achieve results if you are not committed,” he said.
According to him, the FCT relies largely on internally generated revenue and avoids awarding contracts it cannot fund. “Projects we don’t have money for, we will not award them,” Wike stressed.
He credited the pace of development to the support of the president, saying, “The momentum we are getting is because we have a President who believes in providing infrastructure. That support makes the difference.”
Wike assured residents that all ongoing projects would be completed as scheduled, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and service delivery across the FCT
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