The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to hold a fresh national convention in Abuja, following a court ruling that invalidated the Kabiru Turaki-led executive. The convention, organised by a faction chaired by Abdulrahman Mohammed and backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, aims to elect new members of the National Working Committee (NWC). The event, scheduled to take place on Sunday and Monday, will see members of the faction elect new leaders to replace the Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee.
A court of appeal had earlier this month invalidated the Turaki-led NWC, which emerged in November last year at a convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the Turaki-led NWC. The removal of Mr Turaki's executive created a vacuum, necessitating a new convention to elect fresh leaders in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, two of the party's remaining governors, are not aligned with the faction organising the convention. Despite this, Minister Wike has insisted that the convention will proceed, regardless of whether reconciliation is achieved. Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the Turaki faction, has described the convention as unconstitutional and announced that his bloc will boycott the event.
The PDP's national convention is a critical test of the party's ability to resolve its internal crisis. Minister Wike's decision to back the convention, despite opposition from key stakeholders, raises questions about his influence and intentions. The PDP's stability depends on consensus among critical stakeholders, and the convention risks escalating the crisis rather than resolving it. The party's ability to nominate candidates for the 2027 elections hangs in the balance. If the convention fails to produce an inclusive leadership, the PDP may slide into parallel conventions and entrenched distrust, jeopardising its future.
