Wike-Backed PDP Dismisses Turaki’s Court Action, Presses On With Abuja Convention

The National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party, has insisted that the party’s national convention will proceed as planned today, describing the court actions to stop the convention as speculations.

National Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, stated this at a press conference, said there was no valid legal impediment to halt the exercise, stressing that all arrangements had been concluded.

The Tanimu Turaki-led PDP had on Friday had began a legal process to halt the Abuja convention. At its 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC), the Turaki-led PDP said it has ratified its resolution to approach the Supreme Court to contest the decision handed down by the Appeal Court a few weeks ago.

This comes as both camps are having peace talks.

However, Mohammed, at yesterdays press conference, said all arrangements for the Abuja convention have been concluded, adding that they only saw reports, insinuation and move by Turaki-led PDP to stop the convention in the social media.

Mohammed said, “As you have heard, the convention will go ahead tomorrow, and all arrangements have been concluded. Any reports or insinuations you refer to are, for now, things we are only seeing on social media. By the grace of God, on March 29, the convention will hold as scheduled,” he said.

He further noted that the committee was not aware of any court injunction or appeal challenging the process.

“On the issue of an injunction or appeal, we are not aware of any court order or appeal filed anywhere. We have not been served, and we cannot comment on what we do not know,” Mohammed added.

Addressing concerns that the convention could face legitimacy issues similar to those raised about a rival faction’s gathering, the PDP spokesperson maintained that the NCWC-led process is firmly grounded in law.

“The difference is clear: that gathering was not backed by law and was restricted by a competent court. In our case, we have the full backing of the courts, the law, and the members of the party,” he stated.

On the question of inclusivity amid the party’s internal divisions, Mohammed acknowledged differing positions within the PDP but argued that broad participation was being achieved.

“Even within an extended family, you do not expect everyone to be on the same page. However, we currently have the largest following within the party,” he said.

He disclosed that key stakeholders, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former governor Sule Lamido, alongside several lawmakers and party leaders, are expected to attend the convention.

According to him, the participation of previously neutral figures underscores the growing acceptance of the process.

“The party has taken a direction. Anyone who feels aggrieved and chooses not to align with us is within their constitutional rights,” he added.

Mohammed also dismissed concerns about the transparency of the nomination process, insisting that due process was followed.

“We have complied with all party regulations and processes. We are fully compliant, 100 per cent compliant. By the grace of God, the convention will hold tomorrow,” he said.

The PDP has been grappling with internal crises in recent months, with factions emerging over leadership disputes. The outcome of the convention is expected to shape the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.