…“The PDP exists to win elections, and any genuine effort to restore unity will be embraced,
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have proposed wide-ranging conditions for reconciliation as efforts intensify to resolve the party’s protracted internal crisis. Key issues under consideration include the party’s leadership structure, the possibility of convening another national convention, public and private apologies, and broader institutional reforms.
Sources from both the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)–led and Abdulrahman Mohammed–led factions of the National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, said that talks aimed at resolving the crisis were still at a preliminary stage. Options on the table include convening a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting or organising a fresh national convention.
While PDP governors have endorsed the Ibadan convention of November 16, at which Turaki and other NWC members were elected for a four-year term, the camp aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, continues to insist that Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remain the party’s acting National Chairman and National Secretary.
Although the governors facilitated a transition from former chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki ahead of the end of Damagum’s tenure on December 9, 2025, the Wike-backed bloc moved on December 8 to set up a 13-member caretaker committee with a 60-day mandate.
Since then, both factions have sought official recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has so far declined to recognise any PDP candidate for the Ekiti election.
Beyond INEC’s refusal, the party has continued to suffer political setbacks, including defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress.
Sources said party leaders now recognise that prolonged litigation could worsen the crisis and damage the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections. They noted that many of the court cases remain at the lower courts and the Court of Appeal, with the possibility of reaching the Supreme Court, a process that could stretch beyond key electoral timelines.
A source explained that discussions are ongoing and that reports suggesting that names had already been agreed upon for a caretaker committee were inaccurate.
“What is clear is that many leaders from both camps now believe that going to court will only delay resolution and further weaken the party,” the source said. “The PDP currently has no candidate recognised by INEC for a major election, and that alone is a serious setback.”
According to the source, one major area of agreement is the need for apologies to heal divisions caused by months of recriminations, insults and internal hostility.
Stakeholders are also debating whether to reset the party through a fresh convention, reverse contentious decisions, lift all suspensions and expulsions, and provide assurances that no member would face punitive action.
Another option being considered is the convening of a properly constituted NEC meeting, witnessed by INEC, to dissolve existing leadership structures and establish a caretaker committee with nominees drawn from both factions.
Another party source said leaders have been engaging in consultations and alternative dispute resolution efforts, stressing that reconciliation would require strict adherence to the Electoral Act and party rules.
“All court cases must be withdrawn. Suspensions and expulsions must be lifted, and any NEC meeting must be properly constituted,” the source said. “Where a NEC meeting fails to resolve the issues, a fresh convention remains an option, and INEC will be duly notified.”
The source added that public or private apologies would be unavoidable due to the depth of the conflict, and that in some states or party structures, trade-offs or fresh congresses may be required to stabilise the party.
Another insider confirmed that former Senate President Bukola Saraki, alongside PDP leaders in the National Assembly, NEC and Board of Trustees, is actively involved in the reconciliation process.
“This is a sensitive reconciliation effort, and not everything can be disclosed at this stage,” the source said. “But key party leaders are involved, and we are optimistic that the process will restore unity and stability.”
When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led NWC, Ini Ememobong, confirmed that consultations were ongoing, saying any reconciliation that would unite the party and strengthen its electoral prospects was welcome.
“Reconciliation requires compromise and sacrifice,” Ememobong said. “The PDP exists to win elections, and any genuine effort to restore unity will be embraced, provided it respects the Ibadan convention and ongoing legal processes.”
Similarly, a member of the Wike-backed caretaker committee, Okechukwu Osuoha, said party leaders were open to reconciliation and expressed optimism that progress would be made in the coming weeks.
He noted that conflicting court decisions and INEC’s refusal to recognise PDP candidates had compounded the party’s challenges, adding that dialogue remained the only viable path forward.
Also commenting, the President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Prof. Hassan Saliu, said reconciliation through dialogue and compromise was the best solution, warning that litigation often worsens internal party disputes and undermines electoral preparedness.
“A winner-takes-all approach does not work in party politics,” Saliu said. “Dialogue, concessions and sacrifice are essential if the PDP is to recover and remain competitive.”
