PDP reconciliation process resumes ahead of 2026 convention, as factions signal peace despite lingering tensions and legal disputes

The Peoples Democratic Party has restarted a fragile reconciliation process as rival factions move to resolve internal disputes ahead of the party’s March 29–30 national convention.

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The renewed PDP reconciliation process was confirmed on Wednesday by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), who leads one of the factions backed by several party governors, amid parallel political manoeuvres linked to a bloc associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Turaki said the latest peace efforts, initiated on Tuesday night, were already producing encouraging results following weeks of heightened tensions and legal battles.

He explained that the move followed an advisory by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan urging parties to seek an amicable resolution to preserve the party’s unity.

According to him, the party’s Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, constituted a high-level committee to engage aggrieved members and chart a path towards reconciliation.

As a show of good faith, the National Working Committee postponed key meetings and toned down confrontational rhetoric.

However, Turaki expressed concern over what he described as a lack of reciprocal restraint from the opposing camp, citing continued hostile exchanges. Despite this, he maintained that both sides had begun meaningful dialogue.

“I can unequivocally confirm that leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring pathways towards a lasting resolution,” he said, urging supporters to avoid actions that could derail the delicate process.

Turaki acknowledged the urgency imposed by electoral timelines and pledged that all pending court cases would be withdrawn once an agreement is reached.

He added that the faction was prepared to make significant concessions in the interest of unity, describing peace as the party’s most strategic option at this stage.

The development comes amid concerns that internal divisions could weaken the PDP’s capacity to field candidates effectively in the next general elections.

Turaki nevertheless assured party members that preparations were on course and that the PDP would present candidates for all elective positions.

In a parallel response, Nyesom Wike dismissed claims of factionalisation within the party, insisting that disagreements do not equate to a split.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja after inspecting infrastructure projects, the minister maintained that the PDP remains a single, unified entity.

“We have only one PDP. Some individuals may not be happy, but there is no faction,” he said, adding that reconciliation efforts could proceed alongside preparations for the convention.

The crisis traces back to a disputed convention and competing leadership structures, which triggered a series of legal challenges.

A recent Court of Appeal ruling nullified an earlier convention, deepening uncertainty over the party’s leadership and direction.

Despite the tension, party officials say the ongoing PDP reconciliation process represents a critical opportunity to stabilise the opposition ahead of a decisive electoral cycle.

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Observers note that the outcome of the talks could significantly influence the party’s cohesion, electoral strength and broader role in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.