Delegates from Kebbi, Ekiti, Bauchi nd several other states on Sunday led the charge at the 2026 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, which was backed by the  Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The party unveiled 19 new members of its National Working Committee at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja in a move aimed at repositioning the opposition platform.

The PDP Constitution (2017, as amended) provides for a 19-member NWC at the national level, outlining its structure and responsibilities within the party’s leadership framework.

According to Part VIII of the Constitution, the National Working Committee comprises the National Chairman, two Deputy National Chairmen, the National Secretary and Deputy National Secretary, the National Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organising Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Auditor, Legal Adviser, Woman Leader, Youth Leader, as well as the National Vice Chairmen.

The PUNCH reported on March 25 that the Wike-backed PDP adopted a consensus approach in selecting members of the National Working Committee, who will oversee the party’s affairs for the next four years.

The NWC members, along with other national positions and their respective consensus candidates, were affirmed by over 2,500 delegates as follows: National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed; Deputy National Chairman (South), Aaron Chukwuemeka; Deputy National Chairman (North), Yusufu Akirikwen (SAN); National Secretary, Anyanwu Samuel; Deputy National Secretary, Kolawale Olabisi; National Treasurer, Odeyemei Oladiran; and Deputy National Treasurer, Lado Marke.

Other positions are National Financial Secretary, Eyim Henry; Deputy National Financial Secretary, Dr Grema Kyari; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and Deputy National Organising Secretary, Efere Augustine.

Others are National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed; Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Egwu Chidiebere; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Deputy National Legal Adviser, Aloysius Uba; National Auditor, Osuoha Donatus; Deputy National Auditor, Dr Adaba Yatu; National Youth Leader, Ibrahim Aboki; and Deputy National Youth Leader, Momoh Bashir.

The positions of the National Women Leader went to Prof Ogunshe Adedayo, while the Deputy National Women Leader is Hauwa Shinge.

Attendance at the convention, however, reflected a mix of alignment and division, as delegates from Benue, Ekiti, and Ogun States took part in the exercise, while their counterparts from Edo State and others boycotted the Convention.

In Sokoto State, the crisis within the party deepened, with the pro- acting National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature group openly defying the boycott directive and participating in the convention, further highlighting internal fractures.

Amid the tensions, key party leaders, including Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee, former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, newly elected Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammeh, PDP National Leader, Wike, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, among others, called for reconciliation and unity, stressing the need to close ranks and rebuild trust ahead of future political contests.

The Secretary of the PDP in Ogun State, Dr Sunday Solarin, confirmed on Sunday that some members of the opposition party were present at the national convention.

He noted that while the state chairman and party leader, Abayomi Tella and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, are also in Abuja, he could not confirm whether they would attend the national congress being organised by the former governor of Rivers State.

Asked about state delegate participation in the Abuja Congress, Solarin said, “Some members, believing Wike controls the party, have gone to Abuja for the convention. Others, like myself, who support the Turaki-led side, have stayed away.”

Solarin added that the party chairman, Abayomi Tella, and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, were present at the convention.

He stated that Tella and Adebutu were in Abuja and mentioned that many party members had also arrived recently.

“So, for anybody aware that I was in Abuja yesterday, could unknowingly believe that I was there to attend the convention, whereas I am right now in my residence at Ogere Remo.

“Let me also mention that both sides are also carrying on with the reconciliation efforts that are being initiated by the leadership of both sides. So, I can also affirm that the reconciliation process has not been dismantled.

“And definitely, these party leaders must be around to see through this reconciliation exercise. The leadership must be on the ground to manage the two tendencies, that is, those who believe in Wike-led leadership and those of us on the side of Turaki”.

Also, the PDP bloc in Ekiti State, led by former Governor Ayo Fayose, joined other delegates in participating in the National Convention.

The state Chairman of the PDP bloc, Lanre Omolase, who said the convention was real, said, “I am already at the venue of the convention in Abuja. We are here, the convention is holding, this is where the PDP is”.

Omolase had last week stated that his group was the genuine PDP in the state, saying, “The authentic PDP members at all levels are here with the Abduraham Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee.”

Similarly, delegates from Benue State, led by former Governor Samuel Ortom, attended the convention.

The media consultant for the party in the state, Bemgba Iortyom, disclosed this in a telephone chat with our correspondent on Sunday.

He said, “We are currently in Abuja for the ongoing party national convention. We will talk later.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party in Kebbi State has expressed support for the national convention. The State Secretary, Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, confirmed that the state chapter fully participated in the Abuja gathering, with all delegates mobilised for the two-day exercise.

“We are satisfied with the arrangements… and all our delegates participated fully,” Kalgo said.

Also, a chieftain of the PDP in Oyo State and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, confirmed that the Wike-led convention was well attended by delegates across the country.

Gbolarumi, who spoke at the convention venue on Sunday, declared that the party’s convention was well attended by the party’s delegates across the country.

He said, “The convention is simply fantastic. All the states are well represented. Even Sule Lamidi has just spoken at the convention. And Senator Bukola Saraki and some former state governors are here. There are just too many, and even some people were disallowed to enter the venue of the convention since their chairmen and other key stakeholders had been represented. We couldn’t just accommodate everyone.”

However, the Chairman of the Gombe State chapter of the PDP, Maj. Gen Mamman Kwaskebe (retd.) stated that the state’s delegates are not present at the convention due to unresolved issues.

He did not disclose the specifics of the challenges but maintained that they would not attend until the matters are resolved.

“I’m in Abuja, not at the convention. It is ongoing, quite all right, but technically, there are some challenges. Until they are identified and resolved, we will not be present. I will get back to you,” he said.

Also, the Edo State Chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, stated that the state chapter did not attend the convention, describing it as illegal and urging other states to stay away.

He noted that there is a pending case before the Supreme Court yet to be determined, adding that holding a convention at this time would amount to an affront to the law.

He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that impostors are not part of the gathering and to verify that the list of delegates presented aligns with its records.

The chairman said, “The convention by the Wike faction is illegal as there is a case at the Supreme Court which is yet to be decided.

“I will urge the state chairman and their members not to attend the convention because it is illegal. INEC should also monitor those being paraded as delegates. They are impostors, and the list being used might not tally with the one with INEC.”

Meanwhile, a new division has emerged within the party in Sokoto State, as a pro-Bature group openly rejected the position of the state chapter and confirmed its participation in the controversial national convention in Abuja.

The group, led by Chairman Abubakar Danmafara, dismissed claims by the state leadership that Sokoto PDP would boycott the convention, describing the assertion as false, misleading, and a misrepresentation of the facts.

He stated, “We wish to categorically state that Sokoto State remains an integral part of the PDP and cannot be excluded from such a crucial national exercise,” Danmafara said in a press statement issued Sunday.

“The attempt to distance the state from the convention is not only unfortunate, but also misleading.”

The rebuttal follows an earlier declaration by the Sokoto PDP Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sanyinnawal, who reportedly announced that the state chapter would not attend the Abuja gathering, citing internal alignments within the party.

In a new development, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has initiated steps to address the lingering crisis within the PDP in the state.

Mohammed on Sunday emerged as chairman of a consultative committee established to chart a path forward for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development followed an emergency, expanded closed-door meeting of key stakeholders convened by the governor at the Bauchi Government House, amid concerns over internal divisions and the approaching deadline for candidate submissions.

The high-level meeting, attended by party leaders, underscored the urgency of the discussions.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Bauchi State PDP Chairman Samaila Burga said stakeholders unanimously agreed to set up a reconciliation and strategy committee.

According to him, “The committee, under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, has been mandated to, within one week, resolve all lingering disputes and position the party for smooth participation in the 2027 general elections.”

Speaking in Abuja, former Abia State Governor and Chairman of the 2026 National Convention Planning and Organising Committee, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has said that reconciliation within the PDP is not optional, but fundamental to the party’s future.

Ikpeazu made this remark while addressing members at the PDP 2026 National Elective Convention on Sunday, where he called on party faithful to place a premium on unity and restore trust as they prepare for forthcoming political contests.

He stated, “The last time our party assembled at a national convention to elect members of the National Working Committee was in October 2021 at Eagle Square here in Abuja. Since that moment, our great party has traversed a challenging and at times turbulent path.

“The tenure of that National Working Committee witnessed internal leadership strains and institutional tests at the centre. These developments ultimately culminated in the decisive intervention of the National Executive Committee at its 104th meeting in December 2025, where a National Caretaker Working Committee was constituted in the overriding interest of stability and continuity.

“Today, however, we stand once again at the threshold of history. We are gathered under the compelling and forward-looking theme of this Convention: Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal. This theme is not a mere slogan; it is a strategic imperative. It speaks directly to our present reality and defines the pathway to our collective future. It calls on us to close ranks, rebuild trust, and reposition our party as the foremost platform for democratic governance in Nigeria.”

He said the moment goes beyond procedure, describing it as a deeply symbolic democratic milestone that reflects renewal and a renewed commitment to justice, equity, unity, and a people-focused party.

The ex-governor added, “We may have lost some elections, but this vital credential still resides with us, and we need to guard it with even greater zeal at our disposal.

‘’It is because of your faith and steadfastness in this party that we must now resolve: from this convention, we shall rebuild, rebrand, and reposition the PDP into a stronger, more cohesive, and forward-looking political force, ready to reclaim its leadership role in the governance of our dear country.

“To the National Working Committee that will emerge from this Convention, I congratulate you in advance. But let me also sound a note of clear responsibility: the task before you is onerous, urgent, and unavoidable. The duty of genuine reconciliation within our party is not optional; it is fundamental.

“Your work begins immediately. You must act decisively to heal divisions, rebuild trust, restore discipline, and strengthen internal democracy across all levels of the party structure. Let the theme of this Convention—Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal—serve not merely as a guiding principle, but as a binding commitment.”

The newly elected National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, declared the opening of the party’s National Convention, describing it as a moment of inclusiveness, unity, and renewal.

He noted the party’s recent internal disputes and said the convention is focused on restoring order and internal stability rather than rivalry.

Mohammed stated that recent court rulings should not be seen as a win for any side, but a call to uphold due process and constitutional order.

He urged members to prioritise the party over personal ambition and embrace unity and discipline. He said the convention should mark a fresh start, positioning the PDP to better address national challenges.

On his part, Saraki urged other party members who are still undecided to come on board, noting that the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission validates the gathering.

“As I walked in, not only seeing the people but also the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, I say this because some of us have always advocated for our mission to ensure that we are not alone and that we create a platform in the PDP for those who wish to aspire for any ambition come 2027.

“To do that, we must ensure the validity of our processes. So, we are here now at a convention that has the validity of INEC in this process.

“Today is a great opportunity for us in the PDP to chart our way forward, because we now have a party that can present candidates in the 2027 election. We now have a party that people can no longer ridicule. Now we know the PDP will be on the ballot paper in 2027. This is a great achievement. Months ago, many did not think this was possible.”

Saraki, who affirmed that the PDP was here to stay, admonished the new NWC members to honour the sacrifices made and to promote fairness and unity.

He stated, “As I was making my way here, I spoke with some people and urged them to join us. If I see any further confirmation of legality, I will be part of this process from tomorrow. I call on those still concerned about legality and validity to join us. Let us come together and hold ourselves as one family. It is not about individual interests but the collective responsibility of this great party to this great country.

“PDP has come to stay, and I have come to stay, and insha Allah, not only to stay but to be victorious in the 2027 elections. I also appeal to those who will be elected today to honour the sacrifices made and ensure fairness to all, providing a level playing field for all aspirants.

‘’Let us come together and lead the PDP to where it belongs—in the democracy and governance of this great country.”

Wike, in his speech, commended party members for their efforts in restoring the main opposition party to its rightful owners—the people, stressing that this reflects the party’s founding principles.

“It is gladdening to note at this juncture that, throughout this period of morbid and avoidable crisis, our members at the grassroots across all the wards in this country remained largely stable in their dedication to the party. They insisted that they would never leave the party that has, over the years, contributed in no small measure to their welfare and upliftment on the one hand and the development of the society at large.

“So, while they watched the ugly spectre of the infidelity of opportunistic elites that were gyrating from one party to another in the pursuit of selfish purposes, they remained faithful to the party, praying fervently for a renaissance to come. Their prayers have been answered by God, and that renaissance is here.

“Together with all and sundry across all the nooks and crannies of our country, we shall rebuild our party in such a way that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of Nigerians.”

The FCT minister further noted that the party’s future must be built on inclusiveness, unity, and renewal, and called on all members, past and present, to come together and rebuild for the common good.

He continued, “No one would be excluded, and everyone would be given an equal opportunity to serve in unity and love. We must all pledge to a renewal of our commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the party. We must all sacrificially commit to a new era of purpose and collective vision predicated on the core values enunciated by our founding fathers.

“This party was built fundamentally, as a People’s Party, and we must therefore, moving forward, create legitimate channels through which the people’s voices must be heard and upheld.”

The PDP had split into two rival factions after nearly three years of internal crisis. Following the development, the governors’ bloc, supported by Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, held a convention in Ibadan on November 16, where Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and others were elected into the National Working Committee.

In response, the faction aligned with  Wike set up a 13-member National Caretaker Working Committee in December, appointing Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary to manage the party for 60 days pending a substantive convention.

On February 12, the Court of Appeal heard consolidated suits on the leadership crisis and, on March 9, upheld an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, declaring the Ibadan convention invalid for breaching the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the PDP constitution.

In a separate ruling, another Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Biobele Georgewill advised all parties to pursue an amicable resolution.

Although both factions initially signalled willingness to reconcile after the March 9 judgment, persistent disagreements, particularly among the governors, suggested the process had stalled. However, Turaki later confirmed that talks had resumed.

In a motion dated March 27, 2026, the party, its National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, and the governors’ bloc approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria seeking a stay of execution of the appellate judgment, including a request to halt the Wike-backed convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

Despite this, the Wike bloc mobilised about 2,500 delegates to Abuja to affirm 19 party leaders as members of the NWC.