The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with renewed internal tensions as leaders of the party met in Abuja to discuss the implications of a recent Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the outcome of its November national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Board of Trustees (BoT) convened an expanded meeting on Tuesday to deliberate on the party’s next steps following the ruling. The meeting, which brought together top party figures, is expected to continue by 11 a.m. on Wednesday, when a final position on the matter may be announced.

Several prominent party leaders attended the gathering, including BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, PDP chieftain Bode George, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, and the party’s acting National Chairman Umar Damagun.

Sources indicated that discussions were still ongoing as of the time the report was filed, with party leaders weighing different options on how to respond to the court’s decision.

Wike’s Faction Insists on Convention

Amid the ongoing consultations, a faction of the PDP backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has insisted that preparations for a new national convention will continue as scheduled.

The faction’s National Caretaker Working Committee stated that arrangements for the convention had reached an advanced stage despite the legal dispute surrounding the party’s leadership.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja before the committee’s meeting on Tuesday, the faction’s chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, said the Court of Appeal ruling had effectively recognised the caretaker committee as the legitimate leadership of the party.

According to him, the appellate court ruled in their favour in nine appeals connected to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

“We thank the leaders of the party and our legal team for their efforts,” Mohammed said.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee remains the only national leadership recognised by the law and by the party.”

He maintained that the caretaker committee remains the only body legally authorised to present candidates on behalf of the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The National Caretaker Working Committee is the only legitimate body that can present a candidate in the build-up to the 2027 general elections,” he stated.

Mohammed also stressed that the party must respect the rule of law while resolving its internal disputes.

He explained that while preparations for the convention are ongoing, the committee is awaiting the Certified True Copy of the Court of Appeal judgment to determine whether further legal action, including an appeal to the Supreme Court, will be necessary.

After inspecting the Velodrome at the National Stadium in Abuja—proposed as the venue for the convention—Mohammed confirmed that the event is scheduled to hold on March 29 and 30.

He called on members of all factions within the party to unite in the interest of the PDP and Nigeria’s democracy.

“We call on all members of our party to come together so that we can work for the progress of the party and democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

He also reassured aspirants planning to contest elections under the PDP platform that the leadership dispute would not affect their chances of participating in the electoral process.

Dangote Dominates Fuel Supply As Nigeria Halts Petrol Imports

Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde expressed concern over the wave of defections that has recently affected the party.

He lamented that the PDP now has only two serving governors following reports that Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal had resigned from the party through his deputy.

Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed are currently believed to be the remaining PDP governors.

Despite the situation, Makinde insisted that the party remains resilient and determined to move forward.

“When the story of democracy in Nigeria is told, they will find us on the side of the people,” he said, adding that the current challenges facing the party would eventually pass.

For his part, former Senate President and BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara said the court judgment should be seen as an opportunity for the PDP to reorganize and rebuild.

According to him, the party respects the rule of law and must now work toward finding solutions that will restore unity and stability.

“This is an opportunity for us to begin again,” Wabara said. “We should keep an open mind and see how we can get ourselves back on track.”

Party leaders continue to deliberate on the crisis, as the PDP seeks to resolve internal divisions and reposition itself ahead of future elections.