The two factions claiming leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set for a showdown at the party’s National Secretariat in Wadata, Abuja, today.
While the newly elected National Chairman, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has scheduled the inaugural meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has planned an emergency Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the same venue.
Former Niger State Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu likened the recent expulsion of prominent PDP members to a “surgical procedure to remove a cancerous tumor,” aimed at giving the party a fresh lease of life.
Turaki Moves to Reclaim Secretariat
Turaki revealed that the party had formally notified the FCT Police Command of its plan to reclaim the secretariat and hold its inaugural NWC meeting. He led other members of the NWC to meet with the FCT Commissioner of Police as part of the preparations for the first official meeting since the national convention in Ibadan.
The session is expected to include governors, National Assembly members, BoT members, state chairmen, and founding leaders of the party.
“We are going to have the inaugural National Working Committee meeting of our party tomorrow. We’ve invited all our stakeholders, including governors, National Assembly members, BoT members, state chairmen, and other critical stakeholders,” Turaki said.
He emphasised that those behind social media notices for BoT and NEC meetings are no longer party members following the National Convention’s decisions.
“Next to God, in the management of political parties is the National Convention. Its decisions override every other decision taken by any organ of a party. The individuals involved have already been dismissed and cannot be indulged,” Turaki stressed.
Security and Peace Assurances
Turaki assured that while the party seeks to avoid confrontation, it will defend itself if necessary:
“I have assured the Commissioner of Police that while we will ensure no breach of peace occurs, we are prepared to defend ourselves, our party, and our democracy. Our NWC will arrive at the secretariat by 10 a.m., and I will lead from the front.”
The FCT Commissioner of Police has reportedly promised adequate security for a peaceful exercise.
Wike’s Faction Holds Meetings
Meanwhile, the faction loyal to Wike has scheduled BoT and NEC meetings at NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza. The BoT meeting is set for 11 a.m., while the NEC session is fixed for 2 p.m.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary expelled at the Ibadan convention, called on members to attend the 103rd emergency NEC meeting, citing “crucial matters” for discussion.
Calls for Party Reconciliation
Turaki, speaking in his first interview since emerging as chairman, vowed to reconcile aggrieved members, even pledging humility where necessary.
“We will reach out to every member — those offended, those who felt sidelined, and even those who left. Anyone who deserves an apology will receive it. Democracy must be protected,” he said.
He, however, stressed that reconciliation would only extend to genuine party members and not to individuals persistently undermining the party.
“We will seek peace with those who want peace. But how do you reconcile with someone who attacks the party daily and insults its leaders? Such a person is not ready for reconciliation,” Turaki stated.
Aliyu on PDP’s Future
At the 6th Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture in Abuja, Aliyu warned against the dangers of a one-party state, noting Nigeria’s diversity as a national strength.
“If we create a one-party state, we will pay for it. It is important to provide alternatives, but we must follow constitutional rules,” he said.
As the PDP prepares for the high-stakes meetings at Wadata today, analysts fear the leadership tussle could complicate the party’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections. Turaki maintains that the Ibadan convention’s decisions remain binding and that the party is committed to reconciliation with loyal members.
Leave a Reply