The National Publicity Secretary for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Honourable Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, has stood firm in defense of the party’s recent national convention, asserting that it was conducted under legal provisions and remains valid despite criticisms from rival factions and ongoing litigation.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Hon. Mohammed stated, "We maintain that the convention, which occurred on the 29th and 30th, is authentic and has the endorsement of the law."
When addressing accusations of a 'Wike-led' faction, he expressed that this characterization stems more from media interpretation than an official party label.
"As a journalist, your perspective may lead you to ascribe it as ‘Wike-led.’ However, even that assertion leads us back to Wike claiming to be the national leader."
Moreover, he dismissed allegations that identifying the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, as the national leader contradicts party regulations, suggesting it illustrates the critics' tendency to overlook the law.
"But by your own argument, does it not highlight the claims against your party for its blatant disregard for legal standards? You’re telling me, as a journalist, that I am detached from political matters, yet does that impact the perspective on the violation of legal frameworks? I believe those characterizations point to a misinterpretation."
Hon. Mohammed also countered assertions of ruling party interference in PDP's dynamics, reaffirming that there exists only one legitimate leadership within the party.
"It perplexes me when the media refers to PDP as belonging to ‘this faction’ or ‘that faction.’ We are firmly established as the real leadership. The current structure cannot be claimed to be under the influence of the ruling party. Just because Nyesom Wike collaborates with the President does not imply that PDP aligns itself with the APC," he clarified.
He further dismissed concerns that the ongoing challenges at the Supreme Court could derail the convention outcomes, labeling those appeals as lacking substance and politically driven.
"I can assure you that any lawyer who submitted those appeals will face severe penalties at the Supreme Court. The scenarios at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal will not differ significantly from what will transpire at the Supreme Court; they’re merely frivolous appeals lacking foundation. They represent a political strategy by disaffected individuals attempting to mislead their followers. These are not internal party matters, and the court is entirely equipped to handle them."
He emphasized that the convention is focused on bolstering the party and its operations, rejecting the notion that attendees were there seeking favors from the President.
"We must avoid propagating a misleading narrative that participants in the PDP are seeking presidential favors. We are not here for that; we are the PDP and ready to challenge the APC. Mark it, we will present a presidential candidate," he asserted.
Clarity was further brought into any suggestion that Nyesom Wike indicated that PDP would not present its own presidential candidate.
"He never stated that. Wike expressed his personal support for the President, but he did not claim the PDP would endorse the President; that is merely his stance."
Discussing PDP's plans moving forward, Hon. Mohammed highlighted that restoring voter confidence would be an ongoing journey, with the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) fostering optimism.
"It’s important to recognize that rebuilding trust will take time. The recent convention and the establishment of a new NWC have already begun instilling hope and confidence within the party. The NWC will convene to strategize how to proceed with our primary elections," he noted.
Hon. Mohammed announced that the planned presidential primaries scheduled for May 23 have been canceled, indicating a reevaluation of the party’s election timeline.
"I take this moment to inform you that the previous timetable is no longer in effect," he confirmed.
He also shared that the method chosen for primary elections—either by consensus or direct voting, as stipulated in Section 84—will be decided by the party's National Executive Committee along with other stakeholders.
"These decisions are to be made transparent among the National Executive Committee and relevant stakeholders to determine whether to adopt consensus or direct primary elections," he stated.
Finally, Hon. Mohammed downplayed the recent momentum of the ADC following Rabiu Kwankwaso's switch, reiterating that PDP remains concentrated on reclaiming its mandate.
"I am not affiliated with the ADC. Kwankwaso remains a noteworthy figure in Nigerian politics, but we are focused on revitalizing our position within the PDP," he concluded.
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