The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing significant internal divisions. A faction backed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, is set to hold a crucial meeting. This gathering will take place in Abuja this Sunday.
Top sources within the faction confirmed the meeting. Its primary goal is to discuss caretaker arrangements. Members will also strategize for the party’s upcoming national convention.
This meeting aims to address pressing leadership concerns. The tenure of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), elected in 2021, expires on December 9. Urgent decisions are needed to secure the party’s future.
Sources speaking to Punch from the Wike faction revealed the meeting’s focus. It will center on organizing the party’s next steps. Key discussions include setting up a caretaker committee. Planning for the national convention will also be a priority. These decisions are vital for the party’s stability.
The PDP has been embroiled in internal conflicts for some time. A power struggle exists between factions loyal to Wike and those aligned with Tanimu Turaki. Turaki is the newly elected NWC chairman.
Wike Faction’s Resolve for Party Stability
A prominent member of the Wike faction spoke anonymously. “We know the tenure will end soon,” the member stated. “We cannot simply stand by and let things unravel. All critical issues will be on the table.”
Discussions will cover forming a caretaker committee. The national convention, National Executive Committee (NEC), and state congresses are also on the agenda. The member emphasized the Wike-led faction’s commitment. They aim to ensure the PDP remains a “formidable party.”
“Our collective responsibility is to safeguard internal democracy,” the source added. “We must protect our structure. Fairness, unity, and respect for due process must guide our every move.”
Disputed Ibadan Convention and Leadership Claims
The internal strife within the PDP became more evident after the Ibadan national convention. Turaki and other NWC members were reportedly elected on November 16, 2025. This convention took place after the shutdown of the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters.
Several PDP governors supported the Ibadan convention. These included Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. However, members of the Wike faction dispute its legality.
Mohammed Abdulrahman and Samuel Anyanwu, from the Wike faction, insist on their positions. They maintain they are the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. They argue that the Ibadan convention was legally flawed.
Former National Chairman Umar Damagum handed over the party reins. This was to the Turaki-led NWC before the December 9 deadline. Despite this, the Wike faction remains resolute. They are determined to advance their own agenda for the party.
A source confirmed that several leaders loyal to Wike have already arrived in Abuja. They are set to attend the pivotal meeting.
Turaki Faction Dismisses Wike’s Plans as “Illegality”
In response, a member of the Turaki-led NWC acknowledged their awareness. They know of the caretaker committee proposal. However, the source dismissed the Wike faction’s actions. They stated that such “illegality” would not stand the test of time.
“We are fully aware of what they are planning,” the source affirmed. “Their plan is to set up a caretaker committee. They are preparing to meet on Sunday and Monday.”
“This illegality will not stand,” the source concluded. “We are not particularly troubled. The rightful process and established party structures will ultimately prevail.”
About the Author
