PDP Crisis Deepens as Turaki-Led NWC Schedules Crucial Meetings with Party Stakeholders

The future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and efforts to halt rising defections will dominate discussions this week as the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) begins a major round of engagements with key party stakeholders. The meetings, scheduled to hold in Abuja, come amid fierce internal rivalry and disputed leadership claims that continue to unsettle the PDP

PDP Leadership Disagreement and Parallel Claims

The PDP’s internal crisis intensified following the Ibadan national convention of November 16, which produced Turaki and other NWC members for a four-year term. Although Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors backed the transition from former National Chairman Umar Damagum ahead of the expiration of his tenure on December 9, opposition from some party figures has persisted.

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, maintains that they remain the acting National Chairman and National Secretary, despite the handover endorsed by party governors. The Wike-aligned faction also moved on Sunday to constitute a 60-day caretaker committee, further complicating the leadership situation.

A senior party official, who requested anonymity, said the scheduled meetings were designed to stabilise thePeoples Democratic Party (PDP), reassure members and address actions that may undermine party unity.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Stakeholder Meetings and Political Implications

According to a schedule released by the National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan, the NWC will meet state chairmen, House of Representatives members and national ex-officio members on Wednesday, December 10. The Committee will also present a Certificate of Return to Dr Oluwole Oluyede, the PDP candidate for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti governorship election.

Further engagements with former Peoples Democratic Party governors, ex-ministers and past NWC members are planned for Tuesday, December 16, while senators are scheduled for discussions on Wednesday, December 17. The consultations form part of the NWC’s plan to rebuild the PDP after the contentious 2025 Ibadan convention.

The NWC has equally convened the Osun State Governorship Appeal Panel, chaired by Turaki, to review complaints arising from the PDP primary ahead of the 2026 election. The panel will sit on Thursday, December 11.

Divided Caucuses and Boycott Threats

The crisis has already resulted in mixed responses from federal lawmakers. Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, and the South-East PDP caucus leader, Idu Igariwey, have said they will not attend the Wednesday meeting, citing lack of formal communication. However, Peoples Democratic Party caucus leader in the House, Fred Agbedi, confirmed attendance, noting that members had been aware of the invitation since the previous week.

Also confirming participation, Bauchi lawmaker Mansur Soro stated that the invitation was open to all members. The party remains sharply divided, with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, leading one bloc while Wike commands another. The lingering disputes, which escalated after the Ibadan convention, have led to the sealing of the Peoples Democratic Party national secretariat by security operatives to prevent possible unrest.

As of press time, senior party officials, including the Deputy National Secretary, Richard Ihediwa, and the National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan, were unavailable for further comment.