Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have outlined far-reaching conditions for reconciliation as consultations intensify to resolve the party’s lingering internal crisis.
Findings revealed that issues bordering on party structure, the conduct of another convention, public and private apologies, suspension of court cases and possible trade-offs within party organs are central to the ongoing deliberations.
Members of both the PDP National Working Committee factions, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and Abdulrahman Mohammed, confirmed that talks were ongoing but remained at an early stage.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said options being explored include the convening of a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting or the organisation of a fresh national convention to reset the party.
PDP governors had earlier endorsed the Ibadan convention held on November 16, where Turaki and other NWC members were elected for a four-year tenure.
However, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his allies, Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, have continued to insist they remain the acting National Chairman and acting National Secretary, respectively.
Although the governors ensured a smooth transition from former chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki ahead of the expiration of Damagum’s tenure on December 9, 2025, the Wike-aligned bloc proceeded a day earlier to constitute a 13-member caretaker committee with a 60-day mandate.
Both factions have since been lobbying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognition, but INEC has so far declined to recognise any PDP faction candidate for the Ekiti governorship election.
Sources said the party’s inability to field a candidate, coupled with increasing defections to the APC and ADC, has heightened concerns among leaders about PDP’s relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One source disclosed that stakeholders were increasingly convinced that prolonged litigation would be damaging.
“With INEC’s position and its meetings with both factions, it has become clear that party leaders must find a political solution. Litigation will take too long and could cost the party dearly in 2027,” the source said.
He added that many of the cases were still at the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal levels, warning that a Supreme Court battle could stretch beyond the primary election season.
According to multiple sources, reconciliation talks are anchored on several conditions, including:
– Public and private apologies over name-calling and hostility;
– Lifting of all suspensions and expulsions;
– Discontinuation of all court cases;
– A properly constituted NEC meeting, possibly leading to a caretaker committee;
– INEC’s formal notification and supervision of any new process;
– Possible trade-offs or fresh congresses in disputed party structures.
“There is also a strong argument for holding another convention if a NEC meeting does not suffice,” a source told The PUNCH. “Whatever we do, INEC must be carried along.”
Another source disclosed that former Senate President Bukola Saraki, alongside PDP leaders in the Senate, House of Representatives, NEC and Board of Trustees, is actively involved in reconciliation efforts.
“This is reconciliation, so we cannot disclose everything. But key leaders are engaging quietly, and we are hopeful peace will be restored,” the source said.
Reacting, the Turaki-led NWC’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, confirmed that discussions were ongoing but said he was unaware of any formally agreed conditions.
“The PDP exists to win elections. Any reconciliation that strengthens the party is welcome,” he said, adding that sacrifices would be required from all sides.
On his part, a member of the Wike-backed caretaker committee, Okechukwu Osuoha, also confirmed talks and expressed optimism that progress would be made this month.
“For us, reconciliation is the only way forward. What happened with the convention complicated matters legally. That is why INEC has refused to recognise the party’s candidate,” Osuoha said.
He added that the caretaker committee was open to genuine reconciliation to stabilise the party ahead of the 2027 elections.