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PDP Reconciliation: Wike, Governors’ Camps Set for Monday Talks

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 15th, 2026.

Abuja – Efforts to heal internal rifts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will take a significant step on Monday, as representatives from the camps of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the PDP governors are set to meet under a joint reconciliation committee, according to Sunday PUNCH reports.

The meeting aims to harmonise conditions for resolving lingering disputes that have plagued the party since the controversial Ibadan National Convention of November 15, 2025, which produced the Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) for a four-year tenure.

A senior PDP source, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that both camps have nominated six representatives, including legal practitioners, to the reconciliation panel. “Members from both factions will return to their respective camps to itemise concerns and conditions,” the source said. “The idea is to identify realistic and workable solutions before the committee reconvenes on Monday to harmonise positions.”

Legal Backdrop

The internal PDP crisis escalated after Wike’s faction formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee on December 8, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary. The move overlapped with the Turaki-led NWC, which had assumed leadership following the Ibadan convention. Attempts by both groups to hold separate meetings on November 18, 2025, ended in chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza.

The matter has since undergone legal scrutiny. On March 9, the Court of Appeal in Ibadan nullified the Ibadan convention, citing violations of the Electoral Act, the Nigerian Constitution, and the PDP Constitution. Justice Biobele Georgewill, leading a three-member panel, allowed parties to pursue an out-of-court settlement, paving the way for the current reconciliation initiative.

Moves Toward Harmony

The reconciliation process has received backing from both the PDP governors’ camp and the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT), with some previously hesitant governors now participating. A source revealed that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who earlier opposed reconciliation, has expressed willingness to engage in the process.

Fasiu Bakene, a member of the BoT aligned with Turaki, confirmed the development to Sunday PUNCH, noting that the committee’s mandate is to ensure fairness and inclusiveness. “The overriding concern is the survival of the PDP,” Bakene said. “We want a settlement that reduces the cost of another convention and ensures the party is ready to field candidates for the 2027 elections.”

National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong reiterated that ongoing reconciliation efforts must not be undermined by unilateral actions. “Any attempt to dissolve State Executive Committees in Ogun, Ekiti, or Ondo by Wike’s faction is illegal and could derail the peace process,” he said, urging party officials and members to discountenance such moves.

Wike’s Camp Maintains Convention Plans

While welcoming dialogue, Wike’s camp remains steadfast on its planned national convention, scheduled for April 29–30. Senator Anyanwu told The Guardian Nigeria that the PDP would move forward under the caretaker leadership: “We have concluded that the so-called Turaki-led faction is no longer a faction. We are one PDP now, and the convention will take place as scheduled.”

Sunday Bisi, PDP Osun State Chairman, confirmed that congresses are ongoing in nearly 15 states and said the Wike-aligned camp remains open to sincere reconciliation. “If the other side comes for honest talks, we are ready to sit down and discuss positions within the NWC. Our doors are open, but the convention date is sacrosanct,” Bisi said.

Legal Concerns Over Wike

Not all party leaders support reconciliation with Wike. North Central Zonal Legal Adviser Abubakar Issa told The Nationthat Wike’s support for President Bola Tinubu in the last election constituted a betrayal of the PDP. “It is difficult to justify negotiations with someone who campaigned for another party’s candidate. Any attempt to reconcile without addressing this could undermine the party’s credibility,” Issa warned.

Next Steps

The reconciliation committee is expected to meet again on Monday to review and harmonise submissions from both factions. Observers believe the process could lead to the formation of a caretaker committee or the continuation of the planned national convention, depending on the outcomes of discussions.

With the 2027 general elections looming, party insiders emphasise that the survival and unity of the PDP remain paramount. “Time is of the essence,” said a source familiar with the negotiations. “Both sides know that resolving the crisis quickly is critical if the PDP is to remain competitive in the next elections.”