Moves to reconcile warring factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gained momentum on Wednesday as key leaders called for unity and an end to prolonged internal disputes.
However, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected proposals for the formation of a new caretaker committee, insisting that the party must proceed with its planned national convention.
The renewed push for reconciliation emerged during the 86th meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and the 106th meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC), held in Abuja.
Speaking at the NEC meeting convened by the faction led by the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Wike said while his camp was open to reconciliation, negotiations would be conducted from a position of strength following recent court rulings.
The FCT minister stressed that the party’s forthcoming national convention must hold as scheduled, dismissing suggestions that another caretaker committee should be set up to placate aggrieved members.
“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. They have paid the necessary fees. They have secured the venue. So, let no one bring up another suggestion to form another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. Convention must hold, and we will allow everybody to participate,” Wike said.
He also dismissed claims that his role in the administration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had undermined his loyalty to the PDP, maintaining that he remained committed to the opposition party.
“It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration, but all the ones who accused me are today in APC, and I, whom they accused, have not left the PDP,” he added.
Wike’s remarks followed a renewed appeal for peace by the leadership of the BoT, which urged party members to halt what it described as excessive resort to litigation in resolving internal disagreements.
Chairman of the BoT, Mao Ohuabunwa, described the moment as a critical period for the party, urging members to exercise wisdom, restraint, and unity.
“This gathering comes at a defining moment in the life of the PDP; one that calls not for emotion or haste, but for wisdom, institutional memory and calm reflection,” he said.
According to him, the BoT, as the conscience of the party, must provide guidance and ensure that the long-term interests of the PDP and Nigerians remain paramount.
Ohuabunwa noted that the party had made significant progress in its internal reorganisation with the successful conduct of ward and local government congresses nationwide.
“These exercises demonstrate that the PDP remains deeply rooted in participatory democracy and the will of its members at the grassroots,” he said, expressing optimism that the forthcoming state congresses would further strengthen the party’s structures across the country.
He added that preparations were already underway for the PDP national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, which he said would provide an opportunity for the party to reposition itself and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles and national service.
The BoT chairman also acknowledged recent judgments of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the legality and authority of the caretaker leadership, describing the rulings as providing clarity and stability within the party.
Earlier, the chairman of the caretaker committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, called on party stakeholders to embrace reconciliation and end persistent legal battles that have slowed the party’s activities.
