We have only one PDP, there’s no faction – Wike

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says there is no parallel leadership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking on Wednesday after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said there is no faction in the opposition party.

“We have only one PDP. Some individuals may not be happy, yes, but there is no faction,” Wike said.

The minister said the national convention billed for March 29 will be held as scheduled despite moves to reconcile aggrieved members.

In December 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected the request to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led national working committee (NWC) of the PDP as the party’s bona fide leadership.

The Turaki-led PDP NWC is backed by Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, and Bala Mohammed, his Bauchi counterpart.

In November 2025, the opposition party convened a national convention in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo, which produced a new set of national officers, with Turaki as chairman.

The national convention was preceded by a series of conflicting court judgements, with some rulings from federal high courts in Abuja halting the event over alleged breaches of party constitution and electoral laws, while the Oyo state high court in Ibadan cleared the PDP to proceed with the exercise and directed INEC to monitor it.

A group of party members led by Wike, who opposed the convention, would later form a parallel NWC, board of trustees (BoT) and national executive committee (NEC).

Earlier this month, the appeal court in Abuja nullified the national convention held in Ibadan.

The court upheld the judgment of a federal high court, which restrained the PDP from conducting the national convention.

On Wednesday, Turaki said his camp has commenced reconciliation with the Wike group.

The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said the move followed an advisory by the court of appeal in Ibadan, Oyo state, which urged parties involved in the dispute to explore a peaceful resolution.

He assured party aspirants that the PDP would field candidates for all elective positions in line with its constitution ahead of the 2027 polls.

Turaki said the party remains mindful of the timelines stipulated in the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines and is working to resolve its internal crisis without jeopardising its electoral participation.