The Peoples Democratic Party’s Wike-backed caretaker leadership has commenced the sale of nomination forms ahead of its forthcoming national convention.
The decision was announced on Monday following the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja, where leaders reviewed preparations and timelines for the convention.
The national convention is scheduled to hold on March 29 and 30, 2026.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the party called on interested aspirants to adhere strictly to its guidelines.
The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and its Acting National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.
“NEC noted that the sale of nomination forms for the forthcoming national convention has commenced.
“All interested aspirants are advised to comply with the approved guidelines and timelines as issued by the party,” the communiqué read.
The NEC also reaffirmed the zoning formula for national elective positions, indicating that the distribution of offices will follow established arrangements designed to balance regional interests.
The communiqué stated that “the zoning arrangement shall serve as the guiding framework for the forthcoming national convention.”
Party leaders used the meeting to stress readiness for the convention, directing relevant committees to ensure a smooth process under the theme, ‘A Convention of Inclusiveness, Unity and Renewal.’
“NEC reaffirmed the party’s readiness for the forthcoming national convention and directed all relevant organs and committees to ensure seamless coordination for a successful, credible, and transparent exercise,” it stated.
“NEC reiterated the supremacy of the Party and called on all members to remain united, disciplined, and committed to the collective interest of the PDP,” the communiqué added.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis that has dogged the party since November 2025. Governors of the PDP had earlier backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure.
Leadership was handed over from Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before December 9, when Damagum’s tenure was due to end.
However, a faction loyal to Wike later formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee, naming Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate.
When both factions attempted to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18, the situation descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat.
Legal battles followed, culminating in a February 12, 2026, hearing at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, 2026, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party’s constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.
PUNCH.
