A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that is recognized by the courts and loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, officially inaugurated its national convention committee on Saturday. The committee has appointed the former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, to serve as its chairman.
Abdullahi Mohammed, the Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, presided over the inauguration of the committee, which consists of more than 500 members. He urged the committee members to ensure a transparent national convention scheduled for Saturday.
Mohammed stated, "We have convened not simply to inaugurate a committee, but to initiate a process that holds significant implications for our collective future and the promise of revitalization. I commend each member of this committee for the trust placed in you by the party.
"You have been meticulously chosen to oversee the proceedings that will lead us to an all-inclusive, legally valid, and politically credible National Convention, one that will elect leaders responsible for guiding our party for the upcoming four years," he elaborated.
He further noted, "Our path to this juncture has been fraught with difficulties. For over a year, our party has navigated intricate legal and judicial challenges. However, through perseverance, strategic thinking, and a shared commitment to unity, we have emerged not weakened, but strengthened.
"Today, the PDP stands once again as a highly sought-after political entity, brimming with renewed political opportunities and prepared to regain its prominent position on the national stage," he declared.
Mohammed highlighted that a recent Court of Appeal judgment, widely perceived as a "no victor, no vanquished" outcome, has provided the PDP with a guiding principle.
He explained that the ruling serves as a reminder to PDP members that genuine success is found not in individual triumphs, but in the collective preservation and institutional continuity of the party. "It compels us to transcend divisions and prioritize reconciliation as a superior virtue."
He added, "We reiterate our willingness to engage broadly. We extend an invitation for fellowship to all, firmly believing that authentic reconciliation will foster greater unity, enhance solidarity, and reposition our party for more impactful national service. In this regard, we acknowledge all proponents of peace within our party and commend the dedication and sacrifices of our leaders, especially our National Leader, His Excellency, Minister Nyesom Wike, whose resilience has significantly contributed to this moment.
"We also extend a warm welcome to our colleagues who have rejoined the party. The PDP remains a broad and welcoming platform, always prepared to reconcile and rebuild.
"To the members of this committee, the task before you is both administrative and historically significant. You are charged with the responsibility of planning and executing a National Convention, slated for March 29th and 30th, 2026, that will be firmly rooted in the principles of legality, legitimacy, and inclusivity. I implore you to carry out your duties with diligence, fairness, and a profound sense of commitment to the party and the nation.
"Let us be guided by a simple yet profound truth. Yesterday's events are beyond our control, but today is within our grasp, and tomorrow is ours to shape. Let us learn from yesterday's experiences, act with wisdom today, and collectively forge a prosperous future for our party and our country.
"On behalf of the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), I formally inaugurate the Peoples Democratic Party, 2026 National Convention Planning and Organising Committee," he concluded.
The event was attended by former National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba; former National Organizing Secretary, Bature Umar; and former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
In his remarks, Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the caretaker committee, expressed confidence that the PDP would participate in the 2027 general election, stating that no one could prevent its participation.
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