The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention is set to proceed as scheduled, despite a court order reportedly halting the event. The Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee has denied receiving any court order to stop the convention, citing full compliance with party and legal requirements.
The committee's publicity secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, stated that the party is ready to proceed with the convention, having made necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and peaceful exercise. The convention is scheduled to take place on Sunday and Monday, March 29 and 30, 2026.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has also confirmed that the convention will go ahead as planned. Wike dismissed the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki group, stating that it has no effect on the convention.
The minister emphasized that reconciliation efforts will continue after the convention, as the party seeks to accommodate aggrieved members. Positions have already been allocated across regions, with the presidency zoned to the South and the chairmanship zoned to the North.
The PDP's decision to proceed with the convention despite a court order raises questions about the party's commitment to the rule of law. Nyesom Wike's assertion that the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki group has no effect on the convention is a worrying sign. The minister's emphasis on reconciliation efforts is a welcome development, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to address the party's internal divisions. The PDP's zoning arrangement, which allocates positions across regions, may help to ease tensions, but it also raises concerns about the party's ability to accommodate diverse interests. As the convention gets underway, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the party navigates its internal challenges.
