A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to hold its national convention on March 28 and 29, 2026, in Abuja. The convention is expected to usher in a new set of national leaders for the opposition party.
The decision was made during the 105th meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which took place on Monday in Abuja. The outcome of the meeting was contained in a communique issued at the end of the session.
The communique was jointly signed by the National Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Muhammed, and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.
According to the communique, the NEC approved the two-day convention for the purpose of electing members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as well as other statutory organs of the PDP.
“NEC further approved and confirmed March 28 and 29, 2026, as the date for the PDP National Convention, to be held at Abuja for the purpose of electing members of the National Working Committee and other statutory organs of the Party,” the statement said.
The national convention is one of the most important activities of any political party in Nigeria. It is during such gatherings that party leaders are elected, policies are reviewed, and strategies are set ahead of future elections.
The planned convention is coming at a time when the PDP is facing internal divisions and leadership challenges. Since losing power at the federal level in 2015, the party has struggled with frequent crises, including disagreements over leadership positions, zoning arrangements, and party structure.
These internal issues have led to the emergence of different factions within the party, each claiming legitimacy. The faction announcing the March convention is operating under a National Caretaker Working Committee, which was set up to manage the party’s affairs and guide it towards a full national convention.
The caretaker committee was introduced as a temporary solution to resolve leadership disputes and stabilise the party. Its main assignment includes organising a credible convention that would produce a substantive National Working Committee acceptable to party members across the country.
Party sources say the election of a new NWC is expected to play a key role in repositioning the PDP ahead of future political contests, including the 2027 general elections. Many party leaders believe that resolving leadership issues early will help the PDP present a united front to Nigerians.
The PDP, which was formed in 1998, ruled Nigeria for 16 years before losing the presidency to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. Since then, it has remained the main opposition party at the national level, controlling several state governments and holding seats in the National Assembly.
However, the party’s chances in recent elections have been affected by internal conflicts and court cases. Political analysts say the success of the planned national convention will depend largely on how inclusive and transparent the process is.
Although the communique did not give details on the convention guidelines or zoning arrangements, party members are already preparing for intense consultations and political activities ahead of the March dates.
Some stakeholders have called on party leaders to put the interest of the PDP above personal ambitions. They stress the need for unity and reconciliation, warning that failure to address internal divisions could weaken the party further.
Holding the convention in Abuja is seen as strategic, as the Federal Capital Territory is easily accessible to delegates from all parts of the country. Security and logistics are also expected to be better managed in the nation’s capital.
As preparations continue, party supporters and observers will be watching closely to see whether the convention will go ahead as scheduled and whether it will mark a turning point for the PDP.
For now, the announcement of the March 28 and 29 convention dates signals the faction’s intention to move forward with leadership renewal and internal reforms, as the PDP seeks to rebuild its strength and relevance on Nigeria’s political stage.