By Ben Adoga, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, yesterday declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is ready to “reclaim its rightful position” in Nigeria’s political landscape, as party leaders rallied for unity at its national convention.
Addressing delegates at the high-stakes gathering, Wike said the party must overcome internal divisions and reposition itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We cannot continue to weaken ourselves through avoidable conflicts,” he said. “If we unite and act with purpose, Nigerians will return to us.
“We will collect our mandates back from those who abandoned the party for other platforms.”
The convention had key stakeholders urging aggrieved members to set aside differences and rebuild trust within the party.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, described the moment as critical to the party’s survival, calling for sacrifice and collective responsibility.
“This is not the time for division. The future of this party depends on what we do now,” he said.
Elder statesman, Sule Lamido, warned that prolonged infighting had weakened the PDP’s moral authority, urging a return to its founding ideals.
In a similar vein, the National Chairman, Muhammed Abdurahman, appealed for unity across all factions, stressing that reconciliation remains the party’s immediate priority.
“We must put the interest of the party above personal ambitions. There is no alternative to unity if we are serious about reclaiming power,” he said.
Also speaking, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, emphasised discipline and internal cohesion, while the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, urged members to close ranks and resolve lingering grievances.
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, declared that the National Assembly caucus of the party stood firmly behind Wike, whom he described as the party’s national leader.
“The National Assembly is solidly behind the FCT Minister. His leadership and commitment to the party are not in doubt,” Chinda said, reinforcing the show of internal backing for Wike’s role in the party.
National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, also called on estranged factions to sheathe their swords and return fully to the party fold.
Observers say the convention comes at a crucial time, as the PDP continues to grapple with post-election discontent and internal realignments, while positioning itself against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Though the convention’s tone was conciliatory, analysts warn that the party must move beyond rhetoric and address the root causes of its internal crises.
For now, however, the PDP has signalled a renewed intent—to heal its divisions, rebuild its structures, and reassert itself as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political arena ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu have been elected as substantive National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the PDP.
Mohammed and Anyanwu emerged through consensus, alongside 19 other members of the new National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, at the party’s 2026 national convention held at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Sunday.
Other prominent party members who attended the convention were former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi; Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, among others.
Mohammed said the party would belong to all members under his leadership. Earlier, he called on members to embrace inclusiveness as the party repositions itself for the 2027 general elections.
“Today, we choose a higher path. We choose inclusiveness over exclusion, unity over division, we choose renewal over decline,” Mohammed stated at the 2026 PDP National Convention, held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, on Sunday.
“The PDP has not come here to mourn itself; the PDP has come here to renew itself. This convention is therefore not just about the election; this convention is about restoration, order, not just about position.
“Distinguished delegates, this is not an official day. Today is a moment of reflection, a moment of responsibility, and above all, a moment of renewal. We gather here after a difficult session, a session of disagreement, legal contestation, a session that tested the strength and soul of this party,” he added.
The Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee and former governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, who pegged the number of delegates at 2,035, said the party’s door of reconciliation would remain open after the convention.
