PDP factions resume peace talks ahead of national convention

By OLASUNKANMI IMRAN

Turaki stated, “In obedience to the advisory of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, a few weeks ago, that parties in the suit should explore reconciliation to save the party from further strife and provide a platform for aspirants to seek elective offices in the coming elections, the Board of Trustees of the party, ably led by His Excellency, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, constituted a high-powered committee to interface with our estranged party members, with a view to resolving outstanding issues and repositioning the party for the elections.”

Fresh efforts to reconcile warring factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have commenced ahead of the party’s scheduled national convention on March 29–30, 2026.

The renewed peace process involves the bloc aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and another faction led by Tanimu Turaki, which is backed by PDP governors. Despite speculation of internal divisions, Wike has denied any formal split within the party.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Turaki confirmed that reconciliation talks resumed Tuesday night following advisory guidance from the Court of Appeal urging disputing parties to seek an amicable resolution.

According to Turaki, the party’s Board of Trustees, chaired by Adolphus Wabara, established a high-level committee to engage aggrieved members and address lingering disputes. He noted that the National Working Committee demonstrated goodwill by postponing previously scheduled National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings.

The bloc headed by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and supported by the party governors confirmed on Wednesday that a fresh reconciliation process aimed at uniting aggrieved factions within the party had commenced.

Turaki, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Abuja, explained that the reconciliation, which was kick-started on Tuesday night, is yielding some results.

He stated, “In obedience to the advisory of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, a few weeks ago, that parties in the suit should explore reconciliation to save the party from further strife and provide a platform for aspirants to seek elective offices in the coming elections, the Board of Trustees of the party, ably led by His Excellency, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, constituted a high-powered committee to interface with our estranged party members, with a view to resolving outstanding issues and repositioning the party for the elections.

“In furtherance of this, the National Working Committee immediately issued a notice postponing the National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings earlier scheduled to be held two days later, as a demonstration of good faith. We also de-escalated combative communication on all fronts. ‘’

He adds, “While we expected a reciprocal gesture, what we have witnessed instead is the weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric and the issuance of derogatory statements.”

Turaki said they were mindful of the dispute’s implications amid the tight Electoral Act timelines and urged the other faction to act in the party’s overall interest.

“I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution. We urge our supporters across the board to immediately de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions, so as not to jeopardise the ongoing peace efforts.

“To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that, by the grace of God, our party will field candidates for all elective offices, in compliance with Article 6(2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

“As we are aware, democracy is not merely about the periodic conduct of elections; it also requires a virile opposition and an active civil society to hold government accountable. As Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party in the current republic, with the rare privilege of having led this country for 16 years, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy, even as an opposition party.”

Turaki expressed confidence in the Wike faction, noting that reconciliation is still possible.

“We have confidence that we can still work together and that this reconciliation will work. In life, there are times to fight, and there are also times to make peace. But even when you choose to fight and go to war and win the war, you also need to win the peace. So, if you have a pathway to winning the peace without necessarily going to war, why not take peace and forego the war?

“Let me also add that we understand that in human life, every time something good is coming your way, there are people from unimaginable and unbelievable quarters; sometimes, those you think are friends or family who will be the first to rise and truncate those good things coming your way.

“I am not saying there are no good elements on both sides whose sole intention is to prevent peace in this country. I am saying some people are fighting so that this party will go down. From last night, these two elements have been identified and flushed out in the discussions between the two sides.”

The party leader vowed to deploy all available means to achieve peace and promised that all the court cases would be withdrawn once the reconciliation is concluded.

He noted, “Matters in court continue. Even as I speak, there are cases filed by both parties, including appeals at the Court of Appeal. Some appeals have been filed by them, others by us, though some have not been taken.

‘’As a senior lawyer, I can say that the best judges would advise parties to explore out-of-court settlements whenever possible.

“In Nigeria, once parties go to court, more issues emerge, and relationships rarely recover. We have chosen the path of peace in the overall interest of party members, particularly our teeming supporters who want PDP to remain an effective platform for the forthcoming convention.”

Turaki, however, expressed concern over continued hostile rhetoric from the opposing faction, urging restraint to preserve the fragile peace efforts. He emphasized the urgency of resolving internal disputes in light of electoral timelines and reassured party members that the PDP remains committed to fielding candidates for upcoming elections.

He also revealed that both factions have begun constructive engagement, describing the talks as a breakthrough toward a lasting resolution. Turaki called on supporters to avoid inflammatory actions that could derail negotiations.

While acknowledging ongoing court cases between both sides, Turaki indicated that legal actions would be withdrawn once reconciliation is achieved, stressing that out-of-court settlements remain the preferred path.

Reaffirming confidence in the process, he said both camps are capable of resolving their differences and repositioning the party as a strong opposition force in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

The two Peoples Democratic Party factions have restarted the faltering peace process ahead of the March 29-30, 2026, national convention being championed by the bloc led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.