Wike’s PDP Faction Announces National Convention Plans for 2026

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to hold a national convention early in 2026. This decision follows a series of state congresses, which are set to begin on January 9, 2026. The faction aims to address the organizational challenges faced by the party, particularly in states where congresses have not yet occurred.

During a recent press briefing, the new factional spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, outlined the schedule for the state congresses and emphasized that the national convention will only occur after these are completed. The states identified for the upcoming congresses include Borno, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Taraba, Kano, and Lagos. Specific dates for the national convention have yet to be confirmed.

In a related development, the Wike faction challenged the leadership of the PDP faction headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki. Mohammed called on Turaki to provide concrete evidence of recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan. He asserted that any claims made by the Turaki faction regarding INEC recognition are unfounded.

The communique from the faction also announced the expansion of the National Caretaker Committee. Newly appointed members include Professor Adenike Ogunse as Women Leader, Engineer Deji Dohati as Deputy National Secretary, Senator Olaka Nwaogu as Treasurer, Honorable Jungu Haruna Mohammed for Publicity, and Ambassador Dr. Ibrahim Bala-Aboki serving as Youth Leader.

The spokesman criticized the Turaki leadership for displaying outdated documents signed by former officials, including former national chairman Amb Illya Damagum and former national secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. He challenged Turaki to produce the necessary codes required for the party’s governance and to demonstrate legitimate access to INEC’s portal.

“The claims circulating in the media suggesting that the Turaki group has been accepted by INEC are false,” Mohammed stated. “It is essential for the public to understand that only one legitimate PDP exists, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed. Any attempts to tarnish the party’s image should cease immediately.”

As the political landscape evolves, the Wike faction’s moves could significantly impact the PDP’s standing ahead of the upcoming elections. The outcome of the state congresses and the subsequent national convention will be pivotal in determining the party’s future direction and unity.