PDP Governors, Wike Faction Begin Reconciliation Talks After Court Ruling
By: Abudu Olalekan
After Monday’s Appeal Court judgement, Peoples Democratic Party governors and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s camp are quietly making moves to patch things up. They’re exploring options—either form a unified Caretaker Committee or hold some kind of unity convention to stop the party from imploding completely.
Several PDP leaders spoke with Reportersroom on condition of anonymity (they weren’t authorised to talk publicly yet) and confirmed that both sides are locked in marathon meetings, hammering out the terms and conditions for reconciliation.
This development comes as Acting Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu of the Wike-backed committee, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki called on everyone to drop their personal ambitions, unite, and focus on strengthening the party before 2027 elections.
The governors had previously backed the Ibadan Convention held November 15, which elected Taminu Turaki and other National Working Committee members for four years.
They also oversaw the transition from former Acting Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.
But then Wike’s faction hit back. On December 8, they set up their own 13-member Caretaker Committee with Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and Anyanwu as acting secretary. They gave themselves 60 days to get things sorted.
Things got messy real quick. Both groups tried holding meetings at PDP headquarters, Wadata Plaza, on November 18, 2025. It turned physical. The Nigeria Police sealed the building, and it’s been locked ever since.
Both sides then approached the Independent National Electoral Commission for recognition. INEC refused to acknowledge either group, which triggered these prolonged legal battles we’re seeing now.
On February 12, the Court of Appeal heard consolidated cases on the PDP leadership mess and delivered judgment Monday.
The appellate court, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, backed the Federal High Court’s decision in Abuja. The ruling said the processes leading to the governors-backed convention in Ibadan on November 15-16 violated the Electoral Act, Nigerian Constitution, and the party’s own constitution.
Simple as that. The court said the convention that produced Turaki and his team didn’t follow proper legal procedures. Everything got nullified.
A source close to Wike’s camp revealed that since the Appeal Court ruling, leaders from both factions have been seriously considering how to save the party and make sure it fields candidates in 2027.
He said, “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.
“What we are still trying to sort out are the modalities. How do we go about it? Is it to organise a convention or to constitute a harmonised caretaker committee? All these are still part of what is on the table and under discussion. At the right time, Nigerians will be informed.
“For now, I assure you that the party and the leaders, from both camps, are already discussing reconciliation. If an agreement is reached, I am sure Nigerians will be informed. If not, then I am afraid it will affect many things and our members’ ambitions.”
Someone inside the governors’ camp said they’re ready for reconciliation too. But there’s conditions. The PDP must be allowed to function freely as an opposition party and present candidates for 2027.
He stated, “Reconciliation is vital for the party at this moment to preserve PDP. On our part, we are ready to reconcile with anyone willing to support the PDP in its efforts to thrive as a genuine opposition party. Our main concern however is that some people may not want the party to have a presidential candidate or candidates for key positions, which we see as a threat.
“Discussions among leaders are already ongoing, including in our recent meeting, on how to close the gaps among all stakeholders and PDP leaders. The focus is on putting the party back on track and determining the best approach to reconciliation.
“Whatever steps we take to achieve reconciliation will be guided by the PDP Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Nigerian Constitution. We will consider all options, whether through a convention or a caretaker committee, and Nigerians will be informed in due course.”
The party chieftain adds, “Reconciliation will only succeed if it is widely embraced by party members and the PDP is allowed to function freely as an opposition party. The party must be allowed to field a presidential candidate and present candidates for the 2027 elections, and we must address the issue of party structure. Any arrangement that undermines this objective cannot be considered a meaningful reconciliation. Then we will come up with our plan B.”
Hinting about these reconciliation moves, Anyanwu recalled that the FCT minister, in his reaction to Monday’s judgment, said the judicial decision has cleared the way for the upcoming national convention set for March 29-30, calling for unity of purpose.
While inspecting the convention venue at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, Anyanwu reassured PDP aspirants there’s no cause for concern about their participation in the party’s electoral processes.
“I just want to use the opportunity to tell our party faithful, all those members who want to contest an election under the platform of the PDP, that they should not be afraid.
“Initially, they thought that we didn’t have candidates in the FCT. They were thinking about who was going to sign their forms. But the Appeal Court has affirmed this Caretaker Working Committee, and by the time we have our convention, we will have a full-fledged National Working Committee of the party.
“And of course, if you are going to run in an election under the PDP, rest assured you will not be disqualified. Rest assured that somebody is going to sign your forms. Do not worry about the excuses given by those who have defected, that they were worried about who would sign their forms.
“By April 1st, we would have gotten a full-fledged National Working Committee. We would have been sworn into office. Of course, they are going to do our primaries. People will participate. And I am sure that the PDP is going to win massively across the country.”
The Caretaker Chairman, Abdulrahman, urged party members to stay united, assuring them the forthcoming convention would be transparent, credible, and acceptable to everyone.
He stated, “And with the leadership of our leaders and the position of the National Caretaker Working Committee, we are willing to do everything possible to make sure that we have a smooth national convention that we have never ever had before.
“Unity is important for the party at this stage. So we call on all members of our party to come so that we can work together for the progress of the party and democracy in Nigeria. We are not claiming that the victory is for an individual or a certain group. It is a victory for all. And we should all put the Appeal Court judgment aside and come to work for the progress of the party.”
Earlier, while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Abdulrahman stated the caretaker committee remains the only recognised leadership of the PDP.
“I want to make it clear at this time that the National Caretaker Working Committee remains the only national leadership recognised by law and the party.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee is the only legitimate body that can present candidates in the build-up to the 2027 general elections. As such, I urge all stakeholders, party leaders, party members, and supporters to rally around the National Caretaker Working Committee as we prepare to approach activities towards the 2027 general elections.
“As we proceed with the preparations towards our national convention, we shall wait for the Certified True Copy of the judgment by the Court of Appeal to prepare ourselves for further defence of the party at the Supreme Court, if any. Most importantly, I want to call on all party stakeholders, leaders, and members to unite for the betterment of our great party. Enough of the litigation that will delay our activities towards the 2027 general elections and off-season elections.”
Former Senate President Saraki, in a statement through his media aide Yusuph Olaniyonu on Tuesday, urged all PDP leaders and stakeholders to set aside their differences, respect the Court of Appeal ruling, and work towards conducting a new national convention in full compliance with INEC guidelines.
“My own position is that the Court of Appeal has ruled. However, with the revised timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, it is obvious that there is no time to wait for the Supreme Court decision. Otherwise we would not meet the deadlines for completing the process of nominating candidates.
“Also, uncertainty will continue to hang over the validity of the tickets issued to those nominated on the PDP platform. If our motive is to see that we do not jeopardise the chances of our numerous members who want to contest elections on our platform, then this consideration should be the priority of all of us in the party.
“One of the key essentials of a political party is to provide a platform for candidates seeking to serve the people by contesting elections. We should not defeat this purpose. It is for these reasons that I believe the only option open to all of us is to end all litigation and work with the arrangements that are on the ground for holding a national convention within the INEC timetable.
“From the beginning, some of us have warned and advised about the dangers of travelling this route. We know that it will only imperil the party. However, since we have found ourselves here, our focus should be on how to get back on the path of full recovery, stability, and progress.”
Saraki added, “I know that at this stage, egos have been bruised. However, the difference between an ordinary man and a statesman, between a person and a patriot, between a follower and a leader is the ability to rise above the din and ignore personal interests to serve the larger common interests and public good.
“Thus, some leaders of the party who did not get what they desired from the courts should now consider the bigger interest of the PDP in the 2027 elections and beyond. This is a more noble, dignified, and responsible position to adopt than to embark on a journey that leads to nowhere.”
He said his concern is how to save and preserve the party for the benefit of numerous members who’ve hinged their aspirations on the PDP platform.
Saraki continued, “There are many Nigerians at the grassroots who have been investing their time and resources in mobilising support for the party because they want to contest elections on the PDP platform. These are members who want to contest elections into the Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and the Presidency.
“Feuding leaders should not allow their ego and personal differences to jeopardise, undermine, and defeat the aspirations of these honest, devoted and committed party members by depriving them of the opportunity to subject themselves to the verdict of the electorate. That is what these leaders will be doing if anybody continues with the litigation.
“The only viable option open to all of us is to sit down, discuss, and work towards holding an all-inclusive national convention at a time that will comply with INEC guidelines. What should be paramount to all of us is to adopt a give-and-take attitude that will ensure we accommodate all interests in the election of officers at the national convention. We should let the sleeping dog lie peacefully. There is really no time for continuous bickering and grandstanding.”
In related developments, the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, Turaki, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said the recent judgment offers a fresh opportunity to strengthen and reaffirm the party, noting that history would look favourably upon their actions.
During the expanded BoT meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Wabara stated the leaders have important decisions to make to safeguard the PDP.
“We need to find a solution. We need to talk about the judgment. In fact, the Board considers the judgment an order for the party to begin again. We respect the law. So this is an opportunity for us to begin again. And that’s why we are all here.
“Having said so, it’s not a day for speech-making. It’s a day that we have to be very serious with the decisions we are going to arrive at, as we’ve always done with the Board. We obey the Constitution. We must work in accordance with the Constitution. And you can never go wrong if you abide by the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Turaki expressed concern that Nigerians, including both current and former PDP members, are troubled by developments in the country’s political landscape and within the party.
“Since our convention in November last year in Ibadan, we strived to make sure that we keep the hope of millions of Nigerians alive in democracy, in party politics, through the instrumentality of our party. Indeed we have worked hard to make sure that the fortunes of our party are increased. I leave you indeed and Nigerians to be the judge of whether the little we have done was positive and what impact it has made.
“In the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division yesterday (Monday), it becomes imperative that our leaders must sit down and then consider the situation on the ground and then come up with workable and implementable options that will save this party and indeed save Nigeria’s democracy.
“So there can never be a better time than now, especially when you look at the compacted nature of the 2026 Electoral Act that has been passed into law by the National Assembly.”
Speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Governor Seyi Makinde described the period as a challenging time for the party.
“It’s a challenging period for us as leaders and members of the People’s Democratic Party. It’s also a challenging period for democracy in Nigeria. I have been talking to people of knowledge, people who have been involved in the political evolution of this country. And none of them has seen a political landscape like what we are witnessing today. I can only say, we are only two remaining but we are not bothered.
“I can say personally, and on behalf of my chairman, that when the story of this period is told, when the story of democracy in Nigeria is told, they will find us on the side of the people. So please, I can only say that this period will also go away. It will pass away.
“So whatever role we want to play as individuals and collectively as a party, we must be conscious of what history is going to record against or for us for this period. And I’ll leave you with a short remark. I’m sure it’s from the Holy Book. I don’t know where it is in the Quran, but in the Bible I know where it is. And what I want to say is that weeping may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy cometh.”
Speaking to journalists after the expanded BoT meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated the governors’ camp is prepared for any reconciliation aimed at ensuring PDP’s survival.
He emphasized that any reconciliation that reduces the PDP to an appendage or sub-party of the ruling All Progressives Congress cannot be considered true reconciliation.
He stated, “Number one is that the PDP will not die. Number two is that the PDP will be on the ballot. Discussions will continue tomorrow, and we are certain that firmer approaches to achieving this will be arrived at. PDP will not die, PDP will be on the ballot.
“The first point that came out of the mouth of Turaki is that we must reconcile. But the reconciliation must be on the basis of principle—the principles to make the party survive. The PDP is currently an opposition party. Any reconciliation that makes it an appendage, a sub-party of the ruling party, is not reconciliation.
“But any reconciliation that allows the party to survive, to allow the PDP to function as an opposition party that aligns with the wishes of the people: Political, emotional, spiritual, we are putting a finality to it.
“The reconciliation must be based on the principles that the PDP does not die. Immediately we find ourselves at that common ground. We don’t want to be an opposition party that is an appendage of the ruling party.”
