Turaki Faction of PDP Meets In Abuja Amid Legal Battles

By Emmanuel Kwada

Tanimu Turaki -led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Friday at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, as the party grapples with ongoing leadership crises and legal disputes.

The meeting, described as the third gathering of key party stakeholders this week, brought together the Tanimu Turaki National Working Committee and the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees.

Discussions centred on the party’s internal affairs, particularly the planned national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 by the rival Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee.

In his opening remarks, Tanimu Turaki informed the gathering that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had sent an apology for his inability to attend. He added that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed was expected at the meeting.

Prominent figures present included former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Minister Jerry Gana, who joined Turaki and Wabara in presiding over the session.

Turaki assured attendees that members would receive updates on reconciliation efforts during a closed-door segment of the meeting. He expressed optimism, stating that “all hope is not lost” and that the leadership was working seriously to position the PDP to field candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The Turaki faction had earlier signalled openness to reconciliation, noting positive signs from ongoing talks following a similar meeting on Wednesday. However, the rival Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee — backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike*— has insisted that any truce must allow their planned national convention to proceed as scheduled.

The PDP has been fractured by prolonged leadership tussles, court rulings, and counter-claims of legitimacy between the Turaki-led group and the Wike-backed caretaker committee. These divisions have played out amid multiple legal battles, with both sides accusing each other of undermining party unity ahead of future elections.

Stakeholders continue to watch closely as the two factions navigate reconciliation possibilities while maintaining parallel structures and activities. Further developments from the closed-door session and any outcomes regarding the impending convention are expected in the coming hours.

More to follow…