The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains deeply divided following its controversial 2026 National Convention held in Abuja on Sunday, which saw a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, install a new 19-member National Working Committee (NWC).
While delegates from states including Ekiti, Kebbi, and Benue threw their weight behind the exercise, their counterparts from Edo, Gombe, and several others boycotted the event, citing legal irregularities and unresolved internal crises.
The convention, held at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, was organized by a faction of the PDP loyal to Wike.
The group had, in December 2025, established a 13-member National Caretaker Committee following months of internal strife. The Sunday convention was intended to elect substantive NWC members to steer the party’s affairs for the next four years.
Delegates affirmed the following consensus candidates:
· National Chairman: Abdulrahman Mohammed
· Deputy National Chairman (South): Aaron Chukwuemeka
· Deputy National Chairman (North): Yusufu Akirikwen (SAN)
· National Secretary: Anyanwu Samuel
· National Publicity Secretary: Jungudo Mohammed
· National Legal Adviser: Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN)
· National Youth Leader: Ibrahim Aboki
· National Women Leader: Prof. Ogunshe Adedayo
Other positions were filled accordingly, completing the 19-member NWC.
States That Participated
Delegates from several states openly backed the convention, with their party leaders in attendance.
Ekiti State: The faction led by former Governor Ayo Fayose participated fully. The state chairman of the bloc, Lanre Omolase, dismissed any parallel structure, stating, “I am already at the venue of the convention in Abuja. We are here, the convention is holding; this is where the PDP is.”
Kebbi State: The state chapter expressed full support for the exercise. The State Secretary, Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, confirmed that all delegates from the state were mobilized for the two-day event, adding that they were satisfied with the arrangements.
Benue State: Delegates led by former Governor Samuel Ortom were also present. The party’s media consultant in the state, Bemgba Iortyom, confirmed their participation, simply stating, “We are currently in Abuja for the ongoing party national convention.”
Oyo State: A chieftain of the party and former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, described the convention as “fantastic,” noting that all states were well represented. He mentioned that prominent leaders such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido were in attendance.
Sokoto State: A faction of the party led by Abubakar Danmafara openly rejected a boycott directive and participated in the convention, further splitting the state chapter. Danmafara dismissed claims by the state leadership that Sokoto would boycott, calling such assertions “misleading.”
States That Boycotted
Conversely, a number of state chapters stayed away, citing a pending Supreme Court case and questioning the legality of the convention.
Edo State: The state chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, described the convention as “illegal,” noting that there is a case before the Supreme Court yet to be determined. He urged other states to stay away and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to verify that the list of delegates aligned with its records. “INEC should also monitor those being paraded as delegates. They are impostors,” he said.
Gombe State: Chairman Maj. Gen. Mamman Kwaskebe (retd.) confirmed that the state’s delegates were not present. While not disclosing specific challenges, he insisted they would not attend until certain issues were resolved. “I’m in Abuja, not at the convention… technically, there are some challenges. Until they are identified and resolved, we will not be present,” he stated.
Ogun State: The state chapter was divided. The Secretary of the PDP in Ogun State, Dr. Sunday Solarin, noted that while some members who believe Wike controls the party attended, others—including himself—aligned with the faction led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and stayed away. He added that the state chairman and 2023 governorship candidate were in Abuja, but their attendance remained uncertain.
Calls for Unity Amidst Division
Despite the visible divisions, key party figures used the platform to call for reconciliation.
The Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee and former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, emphasized that genuine reconciliation is not optional but fundamental.
He urged party members to close ranks and rebuild trust, adding that the convention’s theme—Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal—should serve as a binding commitment.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki validated the gathering, noting the presence of INEC officials. He called on undecided members to join the fold, stating that the convention marked a significant step toward ensuring the PDP presents candidates in 2027.
“Today is a great opportunity for us in the PDP to chart our way forward, because we now have a party that can present candidates in the 2027 election. We now have a party that people can no longer ridicule,” Saraki said.
Nyesom Wike, in his address, commended members for their resilience and described the convention as a “renaissance.” He called on all members to rebuild the party based on inclusiveness, unity, and the founding principles of the PDP.
The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis for nearly three years. In November 2025, a faction backed by some governors held a convention in Ibadan, where Tanimu Turaki (SAN) was elected as national chairman. However, the Court of Appeal invalidated that convention on March 9, 2026, for breaching the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution.
A separate Court of Appeal panel had also advised parties to pursue an amicable resolution. While reconciliation talks were initiated, disagreements—particularly among governors—stalled the process.
Just days before the Abuja convention, the governors’ bloc approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay of execution of the appellate judgment, but the Wike faction proceeded with the exercise regardless.
As it stands, the PDP now has two parallel leadership structures: one recognized by the Wike-backed faction that held the Abuja convention, and another loyal to the Turaki-led group that continues to pursue legal and political recourse. With the 2027 elections approaching, the party faces an urgent task of reconciliation if it hopes to present a united front.
Efforts to resolve the crisis are ongoing. Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, recently emerged as chairman of a consultative committee mandated to resolve disputes within one week and reposition the party for the elections. Whether this initiative will bridge the widening gap between the factions remains to be seen.
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