Following Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment, governors of the Peoples Democratic Party and the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are moving to close ranks by exploring options to either constitute a harmonised Caretaker Committee or hold a unity convention aimed at preventing the party from collapsing.
PDP leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly on the issue, told our correspondent that both camps are holding marathon meetings to finalise the modalities and conditions for reconciliation.
This comes as Acting Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu of the Wike-backed caretaker committee, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki called on all stakeholders to set aside personal interests, foster unity, and collaborate to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governors had earlier endorsed the Ibadan Convention held on November 15, which elected Taminu Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year term.
Both factions later sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission, but the commission refused to acknowledge either group, leading to prolonged legal disputes.
On February 12, the Court of Appeal heard the consolidated cases on the PDP leadership crisis and delivered its judgments on Monday.
The appellate court, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which held that the processes leading to the PDP National Convention backed by the governors and held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution of Nigeria, and the party’s constitution.
The court ruled that the convention that produced Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee was not conducted in compliance with the law, nullifying its outcome.
A source loyal to Wike’s camp revealed that since the Appeal Court ruling, leaders from both factions have been considering ways to safeguard the party and ensure it presents candidates for the 2027 elections.
He stated, “You see, since the Appeal Court judgment, what I am aware of is that our side here, if you listen to what His Excellency, the former Rivers State Governor, said, he called for peace and a truce. So, it is a signal that we are ready for reconciliation.
“The discussion is already ongoing. We are ready to reconcile and to move the party forward. It is in the interest of the party that we all work together.