The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Kabiru Turaki said on Monday that the party is not holding congresses anywhere in Nigeria and described reports of planned congresses as false.
The statement was issued by Turaki, who serves as National Chairman of the group, in response to information circulating about fresh party congresses in some states.
He said the reports were being spread by former members who had been expelled and were now linked to the All Progressives Congress.
According to the faction, the claim about congresses is part of an effort to weaken the party and create confusion within its ranks. Turaki alleged that some of those behind the reports had aligned themselves with the ruling party for personal benefit.
He accused them of working against the interest of the PDP and trying to hand over the party’s structure for political gain.
The faction maintained that it would not allow its platform to be used for negotiations that could affect its independence. It referred to recent political events, including the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, as part of the wider struggle within the party.
Turaki said the actions of those pushing the congress narrative were against the spirit of multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
He urged party members and the public to ignore the claims about congresses. He explained that what the faction is currently doing is a digital membership registration exercise, which has already started and is ongoing in different areas. He assured members that updates would be provided as political developments unfold.
The clarification comes at a time when the PDP is divided into factions with different positions. A separate bloc within the party, said to be backed by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, has insisted that its planned national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 will go ahead despite court cases surrounding the party’s leadership.
The National Caretaker Committee of the PDP, headed by acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, had earlier stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission had been informed about the planned convention.
Members of that committee, including National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed and Okechukwu Osuoha, said they were committed to organising what they described as an inclusive gathering.
However, the Turaki-led group, which is believed to have the backing of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has opposed the move.
The faction argued that the bloc linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory does not have the authority to conduct congresses or organise a national convention on behalf of the party.
The disagreement reflects the ongoing leadership struggle within the PDP as different groups lay claim to control of party structures ahead of future elections.