One of Nigeria's biggest opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has taken major steps to reset its leadership and structure at its 2026 national convention in Abuja, amid ongoing internal divisions.
At the convention, a new National Working Committee (NWC) was elected, with Abdulrahman Mohammed emerging as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
Aaron Chukwuemeka and Yusufu Akirikwen were elected as the Deputy National Chairmen representing the party's Southern and Northern blocs, respectively.
The officials were chosen through a consensus arrangement backed by the camp loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
More than 2,000 delegates from across the country participated in the exercise, endorsing a full list of party executives expected to steer the PDP for the next four years.
Party leaders say the move is part of efforts to reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, Wike declared that “the healing in the PDP has begun,” expressing confidence in the party’s recovery.
Also addressing concerns about the party’s future, former Senate President Bukola Saraki assured members that the PDP remains a strong political force.
He stressed that the party “will be on the ballot” in the 2027 elections, dismissing doubts about its survival.
The convention also featured key structural decisions, including motions to dissolve previous leadership arrangements and ratify congresses conducted in several states—steps seen as part of a broader reset of the party’s internal framework.
However, the exercise comes against the backdrop of a deepening leadership crisis, with a rival faction challenging the legitimacy of the convention in court.
Despite the disputes, prominent figures including Saraki, Sule Lamido, and Ahmed Makarfi attended the gathering, signalling continued high-level engagement within the party.
Most attendees and observers believe that the success of the new leadership and restructuring efforts will be critical if the PDP hopes to rebuild unity and present a credible challenge to the ruling APC in 2027.
