The Peoples Democratic Party faction led by allies of Nyesom Wike has begun selling nomination forms ahead of its upcoming national convention.The move was announced on Monday after the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, where officials reviewed preparations and agreed on timelines for the event.
The national convention is slated for March 29 and 30, 2026.In a communiqué released after the meeting, the party urged aspirants to strictly follow its guidelines. The statement was signed by the Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and Acting National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
According to the communiqué, nomination forms for the convention are now available, and aspirants must comply with the party’s approved procedures and schedule. The NEC also restated the zoning formula for national elective offices, noting that positions will be allocated based on existing arrangements intended to ensure regional balance. It added that the zoning structure would guide the conduct of the convention.
Party leaders emphasised their preparedness and instructed relevant committees to coordinate effectively for a smooth exercise under the theme, “A Convention of Inclusiveness, Unity and Renewal.” The committee reiterated the party’s readiness and called for seamless coordination to deliver a credible and transparent convention. Members were also urged to remain united, disciplined and committed to the PDP’s collective goals.
The development comes amid a prolonged leadership dispute that has affected the party since November 2025. PDP governors had earlier endorsed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other National Working Committee members for a four-year term. Leadership was transferred from Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki ahead of December 9, when Damagum’s tenure expired.
However, a rival faction aligned with Wike later constituted a 13-member caretaker committee, appointing Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate. Tensions escalated on November 18 when both factions attempted to convene meetings at the party’s national secretariat, leading to unrest that prompted the Nigeria Police Force to seal the premises.
The dispute moved to the courts, culminating in a February 12, 2026 session at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, 2026, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention breached the Electoral Act, the national constitution and the party’s constitution, and nullified the process that produced Turaki and his committee.
Source: https://punchng.com/
