By Ben Adoga, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday resolved to pursue reconciliation among its members as part of efforts to stabilise the party and ensure its survival.
The resolution formed part of the communiqué issued after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
Reading the communiqué, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jugudo Mohammed, said NEC urged all aggrieved members and factions within the party to embrace reconciliation and avoid further litigation.
“NEC called on all parties involved in disputes within the party to embrace reconciliation and refrain from pushing further litigation, particularly any move to proceed to the Supreme Court, in the interest of unity, stability and the future of the party,” he said.
Mohammed also disclosed that NEC approved the expansion of the party’s electronic membership registration to modernise its membership database and strengthen grassroots participation.
“NEC approved the commencement and expansion of the party’s electronic membership registration as part of efforts to modernise the party’s membership database, strengthen grassroots participation and enhance transparency and efficiency in party administration,” he said.
He added that NEC reaffirmed preparations for the party’s national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, where a new National Working Committee (NWC) will be elected in line with the party’s constitution.
The committee also considered the revised timetable for the 2027 general elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“NEC received and noted the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections as issued by INEC, pursuant to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires that notice of election be issued not later than 300 days before the election date,” Mohammed stated.
He said the party had also approved its internal timetable in compliance with INEC’s schedule.
According to the timetable, submission of the party’s register of members to INEC will take place on April 10, 2026, while primaries will be conducted as follows: State Assembly primaries on May 2, National Assembly primaries on May 9, governorship primaries on May 16, and presidential primaries on May 23.
Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and PDP chieftain, Nyesom Wike, said reconciliation within the party must be conducted from a position of strength.
Wike spoke on Wednesday night during the 106th National Executive Committee meeting organised by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction in Abuja.
Reacting to Monday’s Court of Appeal ruling affirming the current caretaker leadership structure, Wike said his camp is open to reconciliation, adding that it would do so only as a dominant force.
“PDP will never die. There comes a time when you face crises, but those crises are meant to put you in order. Life is in stages. What is happening is a natural process that we must pass through as humans. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation,” he said.
Wike also took a swipe at the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, urging those advocating peace to come forward with concrete proposals.
“Minority leader, when you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms of reconciliation so that we will know. Concrete proposals, not like the last time you came to me and before I knew it, you were in Ibadan for the convention,” he said.
“I don’t like those who go to negotiate at night and come out to shout in the day. Let those coming for peace come in the daytime and not at night time.”
The former Rivers State governor also rejected suggestions of forming another caretaker committee ahead of the national convention.
“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. They have paid the necessary fees and secured the venue. Let no one suggest forming another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. Convention must hold, and we will allow everybody to participate,” he said.
Addressing threats by some members to approach the Supreme Court, Wike said litigation was a legitimate option but insisted his camp held the upper hand.
“They said they are going to the Supreme Court, it is okay. The court is for everybody. Even in table tennis, one must lose. There is no tie in this game. We have the upper hand, and we will tell you this is what we want,” he added.
Earlier, Senator Abba Moro acknowledged Wike’s influence in the party while calling for compromise among members.
“Crisis has rocked the PDP for some time, and the National Assembly caucus under my leadership and Hon. Kingsley Chinda resolved that we must provide a platform so that we can act as one,” Moro said.
He urged members to prioritise the party’s survival over personal ambitions.
“Whether I contest the election in 2027 or not, the survival of PDP is paramount to me. I cannot abandon it. Everybody should accept some level of sacrifice,” he said.
Also speaking, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda described Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment as a lifeline for the party.
“For us, we are happy that the judgment of Monday is not just for the PDP but for democracy in the country,” he said.
“You have seen the exodus of our members in the past because of the fear about the viability of the platform, but Monday’s judgment has laid that to rest. Within a short time in the House of Representatives, you will see people defecting to the PDP.”
The meeting was attended by several party leaders, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu, Caretaker Committee Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, Senator Sam Anyanwu, and Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, among others.
