*Says reconciliation window still open
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is far from over as the faction led by the former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Friday, rejected being part of the national convention scheduled by the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stating that it has approached the Supreme Court over the party’s lingering leadership dispute.
Recall that the Wike group under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed, had concluded plans to hold its national convention from Sunday to Monday, at the Abuja Velodrome.
Two weeks ago, the Court of Appeal quashed the national convention organized by the Turaki group in Ibadan, Oyo State, where Turaki and other people emerged as new executive leadership of the fa tion of the party.
But, the Court of Appeal Ibadan division, advised both parties to explore the option of reconciliation after which it will deliver a judgment, if they remain irreconcilable.
But, at the Turaki faction at it’s 103rd Emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting in Abuja on Friday, declared that they remain committed to saving the PDP and ensuring its participation in the 2027 general elections, stressing that reconciliation have continued behind closed doors.
Addressing party leaders at the meeting, Turaki said the NEC had earlier been postponed to allow the leadership thoroughly assess internal and legal developments before taking key decisions.
“We needed to examine the unfolding situation, both within and outside the courts, to enable us take informed decisions not only to strengthen our party but also to safeguard democracy,” he said.
He maintained that despite the internal wrangling, “all hope is not lost” for the PDP, stressing that efforts were ongoing to ensure the party remains a viable platform capable of contesting and winning elections in 2027.
Turaki also disclosed that the party leadership had engaged in consultations with stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees (BoT), to chart a way forward amid the deepening crisis.
The NEC, after deliberations, ratified several decisions taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) and the BoT, including the move to challenge recent court rulings at the apex court.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the favtional National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, confirmed that an appeal had already been filed at the Supreme Court.
“The appeal has not only been filed, it has been entered. Applications for accelerated hearing and other necessary processes have also been completed,” he said.
Ememobong explained that the legal action was part of broader efforts to protect the party’s position and ensure it remains on the ballot in future elections.
Despite the legal battle, he noted that reconciliation talks between the feuding factions are on-going, describing the process as gradual but progressing.
He added that both sides had toned down inflammatory rhetoric, a development he described as a sign of progress toward peace.
However, the Turaki-led faction firmly rejected claims of an upcoming national convention by the rival group, insisting no such decision had been collectively agreed upon.
“To our knowledge, there is no convention coming up,” Ememobong stated, declining further details, which he described as “inconvenient truths” best handled internally.
The rejection underscores a widening rift within the party, with parallel claims to legitimacy threatening its cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
Turaki, in his remarks, warned against actions that could undermine the party’s unity, emphasizing that the PDP remains a national institution that belongs to all Nigerians, not any individual or group.
“Nobody can claim ownership of this party. PDP has survived the exit of key figures and will continue to exist because it is an institution,” he said.
Supporters at the NEC meeting echoed similar sentiments, pledging loyalty to the faction and urging members to remain steadfast.
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, acknowledged the challenges facing the party, but expressed optimism that it would emerge stronger.
Also speaking, House of Representatives caucus leader, Hon. Fred Agbedi, admitted that the party’s strength in the National Assembly had declined but insisted remaining members were committed to rebuilding the PDP.
Similarly, Chairman of PDP State Chairmen, Chief Tony Aziegbemi, reaffirmed support for the Turaki-led leadership, warning against unilateral decisions regarding party structure and leadership.
The dispute has raised concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections, with analysts warning that prolonged internal divisions could weaken its chances against rivals.
The two remaining PDP governors, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state and Seyi Makinde of Oyo state were reportedly inevitably absent from the meeting.
