The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of Nigeria’s main opposition parties, has taken fresh steps to resolve its internal crisis as rival factions reopen peace talks ahead of the party’s planned national convention on March 29–30, 2026.
The renewed reconciliation effort comes amid ongoing disagreements within the party, which have led to court cases, leadership disputes, and concerns about the PDP’s readiness for future elections.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, a former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), who is leading one of the factions backed by PDP governors, confirmed that discussions between the opposing sides have begun and are already showing signs of progress.
According to him, the peace process was restarted on Tuesday night following advice from the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, which urged all parties involved in the dispute to seek reconciliation in order to prevent further division within the party.
Turaki explained that the PDP’s Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, set up a high-level committee to engage with aggrieved members and find lasting solutions to the crisis.
“In obedience to the advisory of the Court of Appeal, parties in the suit are exploring reconciliation to save the party from further strife and to provide a platform for aspirants to contest in coming elections,” he said.
He added that as a sign of good faith, the party’s National Working Committee had earlier postponed key meetings, including those of the National Executive Committee and National Caucus, to create room for dialogue.
However, Turaki expressed concern that while his group had taken steps to reduce tensions, the response from the other side had not been encouraging.
“While we expected a reciprocal gesture, what we have witnessed instead is the use of harsh and negative statements,” he said.
Despite this, he confirmed that leaders from both factions have now “broken the ice” and are discussing possible ways to resolve their differences.
The PDP has been dealing with internal divisions for several months, with disagreements over leadership and the legitimacy of party structures at the centre of the crisis. The situation worsened after parallel meetings and decisions were taken by different groups within the party.
One of the major flashpoints was the party’s national convention held in Ibadan on November 15, 2025. The convention, which was supported by PDP governors, produced Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure.
However, another faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected the outcome and set up a rival 13-member caretaker committee. The committee, led by Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, was given a 60-day mandate to organise a fresh convention.
Tensions escalated when both factions attempted to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on November 18, leading to chaos and the intervention of the Nigeria Police Force, which sealed the building to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The dispute later moved to the courts, with multiple cases filed at different levels. On March 9, 2026, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act as well as the constitutions of both Nigeria and the PDP, effectively nullifying the leadership that emerged from that exercise.
This judgment further complicated the party’s situation, making reconciliation even more urgent as deadlines for political activities draw closer.
Turaki acknowledged the importance of time, noting that the Electoral Act sets strict timelines for political parties to conduct primaries and submit candidates for elections.
“We are mindful of the implications of this dispute, especially with the tight timelines. That is why we are urging all parties to act in the overall interest of the PDP,” he said.
He also assured party members and aspirants that the PDP would field candidates for all elective positions, stressing that efforts are being made to stabilise the party before the next round of elections.
“As soon as we reach an agreement, all court cases will be withdrawn to give peace a chance,” he added.
Turaki further stated that his faction is willing to make compromises to achieve unity.
“We are ready to bend as far as possible in the interest of the party. Everything possible will be done to make this reconciliation work. PDP will not die,” he said.
He also revealed that key issues, including participation in the upcoming convention, are part of ongoing discussions and will be decided collectively by party leaders and delegates.
Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike has dismissed claims that the PDP is divided into factions, insisting that the party remains one united entity despite internal disagreements.
Wike spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
“We have only one PDP. I don’t know which faction you are talking about,” he said. “Some individuals may not be happy, but that does not mean there is a split.”
He maintained that reconciliation efforts can continue alongside preparations for the national convention, noting that disagreements are normal in political parties.
“That there is a convention does not mean there will be no reconciliation. Everything has its own time,” he said.
Wike’s comments reflect a different perspective on the crisis, as many observers believe the PDP is currently facing one of its most serious internal challenges since losing power at the federal level in 2015.
The PDP governed Nigeria for 16 years from 1999 to 2015 before it was defeated by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since then, it has struggled to regain power at the centre, although it remains influential in several states.
Beyond party politics, Wike also used the occasion to highlight ongoing development projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said his administration is focused on ensuring quality and timely delivery of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and housing.
Among the projects inspected was a bridge near the Fire Service in Abuja, which he said is nearing completion and expected to be delivered within five months.
He also confirmed that the N5 road project 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 newly completed staff housing but raised concerns about delays in some hostel projects.
Despite these developments, the political situation within the PDP remains a major issue of national interest, as the party continues efforts to rebuild and reposition itself.
For many Nigerians, a strong opposition is seen as important for democracy, as it helps to hold the government accountable and provide alternative policies.
As the March 2026 convention approaches, all eyes will be on the PDP to see whether its leaders can put aside their differences and present a united front.