Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Spain, and former Abia state Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, is heading the National Convention Planning committee for the March 29 and 30, 2026, national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The committee to zone political offices in the party is, however, expected to meet on Sunday to zone the various offices, including the Presidency, even as expected reconciliation talks within the party are yet to commence.
This is just as the Factional Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, expressed confidence that if the reconciliation process is encouraged, it would yield positive results and strengthen internal cohesion within the party. 
The Nation, however, gathered that both parties in the ongoing party crisis have been meeting separately to draw up their demands.
It was gathered that the Nyesom Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee may not shift ground on two key areas: no reconstitution of the caretaker committee and no going back on the national convention, which they have termed as no-go areas.
The Wike faction has insisted on going ahead with the planned convention, insisting that anyone who wants to be part of the convention is welcome to do so, saying reconciliation talks will not stop the convention from going ahead
National Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Jagunda Haruna Mohammed, said the Independent National Electoral Commission has been fully informed about the convention and that plans are at an advanced stage for the convention.
He said, “Reconciliation is an ongoing thing, and it cannot in any way prevent the caretaker committee from carrying out the convention. If you recall, we had initially informed the representative of the Turaki group who attended our last NEC meeting that whatever their written proposals may be, two things remain sacrosanct: the existence of this caretaker committee and the conduct of this National Convention.
“So irrespective of whatever reconciliation is likely to happen, it will not affect the conduct and processes leading to this convention. We are open. We are still open for reconciliation.
“The Independent Electoral Commission had been notified about the PDP National Convention long ago, and in line with the notice, they have already supervised and monitored our ward, local government, and state congresses. The National Convention will not be an exception.
“We have concluded all state congresses in line with the judgment of Justice Omotosho. But before we can proceed with any convention, we have to conclude all congresses. That is how it has been done. We have just finished with that of Plateau yesterday, and then the Zonal congresses for the South East and North West will be on Saturday”.
Checks by our correspondent revealed that the main organising committee for the convention has such members as Former Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, former Benue state governor, Samuel Orton, former Gombe state Governor, Hassan Dankwambo, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan among others, with Senator Mustapha Khebeeb serving as secretary.
After its Sunday meeting, the zoning committee is expected to present its report to an emergency NEC meeting scheduled for Monday at the FCT Minister’s Lodge, Life Camp, Abuja.
However, a highly placed source within the Turaki camp who would not want to be quoted told the Nation that the Sallah break has impacted the reconciliation process, but assured that things will resume after the break.
He said, “By next week, there will be a report of how we are going forward. It will either be a positive way forward or the resumption of hostilities. Either way, things will be clearer by next week”.
He described the plans by the Wike group to go ahead with their planned convention as pre-negotiation strategies.
Meanwhile, the factional National Chairman of the party has assured that the party will rise above its current challenges, assuring that reconciliation efforts were progressing, particularly in light of recent judicial guidance.
Addressing party supporters after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, Turaki spoke of the need to embrace peace and remain vigilant in safeguarding the nation’s democracy as the country approaches a critical political transition.
While stressing the importance of unity, tolerance, and adherence to the values of peace as enshrined in religious teachings, Turaki said the citizens must play an active role in ensuring that democratic ideals are protected and sustained.
He said the period ahead requires heightened civic responsibility and collective commitment to national stability, insisting that “as a nation, we must remain steadfast in our pursuit of peace and justice. Democracy can only thrive where there is vigilance, participation, and respect for the rule of law”.
He referenced the admonition of the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, expressing confidence that the reconciliation process it encouraged would yield positive results and strengthen internal cohesion within the party.
