The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with significant internal divisions as it prepares for its national convention scheduled for March 29-30, 2026, in Abuja.

Amidst swirling rumors of legal challenges, party leaders and factions are taking divergent stances on the convention's legitimacy and prospects.

Peter Mrakpor, the Delta State Chairman of the PDP and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), firmly dismissed claims of any court injunction restraining the convention, branding such assertions as false and misleading.

He assured that the party is fully prepared, with all necessary arrangements intact, urging delegates to disregard “rumour mongers” and participate fully.

Similarly, the PDP faction backed by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has declared its resolve to proceed with the convention on March 29.

Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of the Wike-backed faction, stated that reports of injunctions were merely “social media” rumors, affirming that “By the grace of God, on 29 March, the convention will hold as scheduled.”

He asserted that their gathering has the full backing of the courts, the law, and the majority of party members, distinguishing it from a previous “Ibadan convention” that was not legally supported.

Mohammed also highlighted a surge in support for their faction, citing prominent figures like former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, along with several Senators, National Assembly members, and key stakeholders, who had not previously aligned with any bloc but would be present.

He emphasized that the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) had meticulously planned for a credible, transparent, inclusive, and successful exercise, fully compliant with the party's constitution and relevant laws.

The faction reiterated its commitment to reconciliation but warned against any attempts to undermine the party's progress.

Conversely, the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction has actively pursued legal avenues to halt the convention. This faction has appealed to the Supreme Court against a recent Court of Appeal verdict in Abuja.

They seek an injunction pending appeal, aiming to restrain the Wike-led faction from acting on the March 9, 2026, Court of Appeal decision, which had affirmed an October 31, 2025, Federal High Court ruling.

The Federal High Court's order had previously restrained the party from organizing a national convention, including the one slated for March 29 and 30.

The appellate court had earlier chastised the party for proceeding with a convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15, 2025, despite subsisting orders.

The Turaki faction, reportedly loyal to PDP governors, held a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where they ratified the resolution to approach the Supreme Court and explicitly dissociated themselves from the Wike-led group's convention.

Despite these legal battles, both warring factions have, at different fora, expressed openness to reconciliation talks.

Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki underscored the critical importance of the national convention, viewing it as the party's singular opportunity to pave the way for participation in the 2027 general elections.

In an exclusive interview, Saraki expressed his full support, stating that it would enable aspiring candidates, particularly the younger generation, to contest on the PDP platform.

He declared his non-affiliation with any specific faction, aligning instead with those who prioritize ensuring the PDP is on the ballot for 2027.

Recalling his skepticism about the earlier Ibadan convention due to the absence of INEC monitoring, Saraki emphasized the need for a legally sound process.

He also dismissed allegations of working with Nyesom Wike to favor the APC or of planning to leave the PDP, expressing optimism about the PDP's future prospects amidst potential crises in the ruling party.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, speaking at the ongoing national convention at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, reaffirmed the unity of the PDP and the binding nature of court rulings on all party members.

Representing Ekiti delegates, Fayose stressed commitment to the party’s direction and recognized Nyesom Wike as a leading national figure due to his significant contributions.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed convened a closed-door meeting with key PDP stakeholders.

Analysts speculate this meeting aimed to deliberate on the party’s political direction amid the ongoing internal crises, following a similar gathering a week prior that included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson.

These discussions are anticipated to influence political alignments within the party.