The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party camp declared that the era of uncertainty within the party is over and directed immediate preparations for party primaries in line with Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines.
Leaders of the Wike camp stated this on Monday during the 108th National Executive Committee meeting held at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The camp’s PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, stressed the need for discipline, internal reforms, and strict adherence to party structures as part of efforts to reposition the PDP ahead of the next election cycle.
Wike, in his remarks, called for aggressive reconciliation efforts to win back defectors, urging the party leadership to establish a strong committee to engage aggrieved members and reintegrate them into the party.
The Board of Trustees Chairman, Mao Ohuabunwa, also called for unity and discipline among members, urging stakeholders to put aside personal interests and work collectively to strengthen the party’s structure and electoral competitiveness ahead of 2027.
However, the Governors’ camp led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) dismissed the meeting, describing it as an APC infiltration within the PDP. It added that the gathering lacked legitimacy and warned members against being misled by what it termed disguised opposition elements operating under the party’s structure.
The PDP has been engulfed in a prolonged internal crisis marked by factional divisions. One bloc led by Turaki is supported by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, while the opposing group under Mohammed has the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Both factions have filed multiple court cases that are still pending as they seek legal resolution over control of the party.
In a recent move, a report indicated that Wike’s camp National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, filed a Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment that dismissed his suit and upheld his expulsion from the party.
The appeal, dated April 10, 2026, contests the ruling delivered on January 12, 2026, by Justice Yusuf Halilu in suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1050/2025.
Meanwhile, the Turaki-led faction has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, seeking the derecognition of the Mohammed/Anyanwu faction, including the Wike-backed bloc, further intensifying the legal and political struggle within the party.
Despite this, Mohammed welcomed members to the 108th NEC meeting and commended their loyalty and resilience during a period of leadership uncertainty, saying their commitment helped preserve the party and reposition it for the future.
He also praised security agencies for protecting party assets and maintaining stability during the crisis, describing their intervention as vital to safeguarding democratic institutions.
The Wike bloc chairman stated, “Today, we gather not as a party in distress, but as a strong political institution firmly focused on the future. The Peoples Democratic Party has now successfully navigated its internal challenges, and we are fully aligned with the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all relevant guidelines as issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consolidation, and electoral preparation has begun today. In this regard, we are on the roadmap for our nationwide party primaries.
“Let me essentially say that the PDP is set to conduct transparent, credible, and inclusive party primaries at all levels, in strict compliance with extant laws and democratic best practices.
“We are determined to produce candidates who reflect the will of our members and the aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
He stated that the PDP’s future lies in stability and progress.
Mohammed added, “As we approach the 2027 election, the PDP remains committed to upholding the principles of internal democracy, rule of law, equity, and national dignity.
“We call on all our members to remain focused, united, and committed to the collective interests of the party above all personal interests and ambitions.