PDP Faction Activates Party Structures; Wike's Group Optimistic

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has heightened the alert status of all its organs in anticipation of today's crucial judgment that will clarify the party's rightful leadership.

The party has been experiencing a split into two factions since its recent National Convention held in Ibadan.

This convention led to the establishment of the current National Working Committee (NWC) under Dr. Tanimu Turaki SAN.

However, members loyal to Abuja-based Minister Nyesom Wike, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu, created their own caretaker committee and are also gearing up for a National Convention.

With the impending ruling from the Court of Appeal, the Turaki-led faction has organized meetings for party organs as part of their strategy for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Scheduled meetings for this week include those of the National Caucus, the Board of Trustees (BoT), and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

While party spokespersons were unavailable for comments, insiders revealed they are confident of success, citing that the Ibadan Convention that appointed Turaki was conducted properly.

A reliable source noted, "All congresses were completed except those currently under litigation, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was duly informed with the required 21-day notification before the convention."

It was emphasized that this procedure was why the previous National Chairman, Umar Damagum, officially handed over responsibilities to the newly elected Turaki-led NWC.

The last legitimately constituted NEC meeting occurred prior to the convention. The PDP adheres to the rule of law and will avoid making decisions on issues presently addressed in the courts.

"This explains why the PDP NEC has not yet convened, as the party is awaiting the Court of Appeal's judgment to support the Supreme Court's determination that matters regarding membership and leadership within the party are internal and non-justiciable, meaning the courts cannot intervene,"

the source remarked.

Following resolution of these issues, the PDP plans to resume internal processes and prepare for election activities. The same source accused the Wike-led faction of serving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting, "PDP will not be reduced to a setup of individuals operating from a WhatsApp group, distributing positions from an APC venue and appointing people arbitrarily as self-styled BoT and NEC members."

He contended, "It is distressing that certain individuals are openly campaigning for the APC while simultaneously trying to weaken and disrupt the PDP. These members act as though they are exempt from legal constraints. Despite the PDP Convention being under litigation, they continue to advance their unlawful structure, blatantly disregarding due process and showing contempt for the judicial system's authority and integrity."

Meanwhile, Honorable Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the National Publicity Secretary for Wike's faction, expressed full confidence in receiving a favorable verdict based on legal principles, stating, "It is impossible to establish something upon nothing and expect it to endure. That convention was carried out in clear defiance of a valid court ruling and violated specific laws, including the Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution."

Mohammed added, "It is crucial that no process takes place unless supervised by the INEC." He believes the appellate court will thoughtfully review these facts and deliver a decisive ruling that supports the lower courts’ decisions favoring their position.

Moreover, he referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling involving an APC dispute, which clarified that internal matters of political parties are not absolute. "Violation of rules without consequence cannot just be categorized simply as internal party affairs,"

he remarked, expressing confidence that the appeal court will affirm their stance.

On the upcoming NEC meeting, he urged all law-abiding PDP members to dismiss the planned gathering, stating, "While they are entitled to choose their own activities, resembling the recent 'Amala Carnival' in Ibadan, this new event in Abuja will be just as trivial. It’s an inconsequential festival; let them enjoy tea or ‘kunu’ for their breaking fast."