Members of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to Nyesom Wike have accused a rival group backed by some governors and linked to Tanimu Turaki of planning to disrupt the party’s national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026.
The allegation was made in Abuja on Sunday during a media briefing by the faction’s spokesperson, Jungudo Mohammed.
The Wike-aligned group said court decisions have already confirmed the authority of its National Caretaker Working Committee to manage the party’s affairs. It maintained that these rulings remain valid and that the planned convention will go ahead as scheduled despite ongoing disagreements within the party.
According to the group, there are concerns that the Turaki-backed faction may approach a court in Ibadan to obtain an order that could stop the convention. It said this move could affect the party’s activities, especially after earlier attempts at reconciliation did not succeed.
The faction added that it would not allow any action that could affect the party’s progress and called on judicial authorities to take note of any effort that may misuse court processes. It also expressed confidence that the judiciary would handle the matter in line with the law.
In response, the Turaki-backed camp rejected the accusation and described it as misleading. Its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, said the group had been open to dialogue and had made efforts toward peace within the party. He stated that they were not aware of any plan to stop the convention and accused the opposing faction of creating tension through its statements.
The dispute is part of a wider leadership struggle within the PDP, with both factions laying claim to control of the party. The situation has led to legal battles after both sides sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A recent Court of Appeal ruling had earlier nullified the outcome of a previous convention backed by governors, further deepening the crisis as the party prepares for future elections.