PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike Rejects Fresh Caretaker Committee, Insists on National Convention

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected calls for the formation of a new caretaker committee in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that the party should proceed with its planned national convention.

Wike made the declaration during the 86th meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and the 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.

Speaking at the NEC meeting convened by a faction led by the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, the FCT minister said his camp was open to reconciliation but would only negotiate from a position of strength following recent court rulings affecting the party.

According to him, preparations for the PDP national convention are already underway and should not be disrupted by fresh proposals to set up another caretaker leadership.

“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. They have paid the necessary fees. They have secured the venue. So, let no one bring up another suggestion to form another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. Convention must hold, and we will allow everybody to participate,” Wike stated.

The former Rivers State governor also dismissed claims that his role in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu had affected his loyalty to the opposition party.

“It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration, but all the ones who accused me are today in APC, and I, whom they accused, have not left the PDP,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, described the current situation as a defining moment for the party and urged members to embrace unity and restraint.

“This gathering comes at a defining moment in the life of the PDP; one that calls not for emotion or haste, but for wisdom, institutional memory and calm reflection,” Ohuabunwa said while addressing members.

He noted that the party had made progress in reorganising its internal structures following the conduct of ward and local government congresses across the country. According to him, the exercises demonstrate the party’s commitment to participatory democracy and grassroots engagement.

Ohuabunwa added that preparations were ongoing for the PDP national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, expressing optimism that the event would help reposition the party and strengthen its structures nationwide.

He also referenced a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal affirming the legality of the caretaker leadership, saying the ruling had brought clarity and stability to the party’s leadership structure.

Earlier, Abdulrahman Mohammed had urged stakeholders to embrace reconciliation and end the persistent legal battles that have slowed the party’s activities.

The latest development underscores the continuing internal tensions within the PDP as party leaders attempt to stabilise its leadership and prepare for the forthcoming national convention.