By Ebiere Kekeboro
The court-recognised faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday inaugurated its National Convention Planning and Organising Committee, appointing former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, as chairman.
The committee, comprising over 500 members, was inaugurated by the Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, Abdullahi Mohammed, who charged members to ensure a transparent and credible national convention slated for March 29 and 30, 2026.
Speaking during the inauguration, Mohammed said the event marked the beginning of a crucial process for the party’s future.
“We gathered not merely to inaugurate a committee, but to set in motion a process that carries the weight of our collective destiny and the promise of renewal,” he said.
He added, “You have been carefully selected to pilot the affairs that will lead us to an all-inclusive, legally sound, and politically credible National Convention, one that will produce leaders entrusted with guiding our party for the next four years.”
Mohammed noted that the party had faced significant legal and internal challenges over the past year but had emerged stronger.
“Our journey to this point has not been without challenges. For over a year, our party has navigated complex legal and judicial issues. Yet, through resilience, wisdom, and a shared commitment to unity, we have emerged not diminished, but refined,” he said.
He described the PDP as “a beautiful bride” with renewed prospects, expressing optimism about its chances of reclaiming political relevance.
The caretaker chairman also referenced a recent Court of Appeal ruling, which he described as a “no victor, no vanquished” judgment, urging members to embrace reconciliation.
“It reminds us that true triumph lies not in individual victories, but in collective survival and institutional continuity. It calls us to rise above divisions and embrace reconciliation as a higher virtue,” he said.
Mohammed further extended an olive branch to aggrieved members and commended party leaders for their roles in stabilising the party, particularly Wike.
“We reaffirm our openness to broader engagement. We extend a hand of fellowship to all, firmly believing that genuine reconciliation will deepen unity and strengthen solidarity,” he added.
He urged committee members to discharge their duties with diligence and impartiality.
“You are entrusted with the duty of planning and delivering a National Convention that will stand firmly on the pillars of legality, legitimacy, and inclusiveness,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the caretaker committee, Samuel Anyanwu, expressed confidence in the party’s readiness for future elections.
“The PDP will be on the ballot, and nobody will stop it from participating in the 2027 general election,” he stated.
The event was attended by several party stakeholders, including former National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and former National Organising Secretary, Bature Umar.
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Tags: PDP, Nyesom Wike, Okezie Ikpeazu, 2027 election, Nigerian politics
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