PDP Not Conducting Congresses Anywhere – Turaki Declares

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is not conducting congresses in any part of the country, dismissing reports of planned party congresses as “false information” allegedly being circulated by expelled members aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Monday, the National Chairman of the PDP faction loyal to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Kabiru Turaki, described the reports as a calculated attempt to destabilise the opposition party and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Turaki categorically denied that the party was holding congresses in any state.

“Our members and the general public are hereby notified that our party is not conducting congresses in any part of the country,” the statement read.

He alleged that the purported congresses were being promoted by expelled members who, according to him, have become loyal to the ruling APC.

“The false information is being circulated by expelled members of our party, who now have clearly shown their unrelenting appendages to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a bid to kill our party and derail our democracy,” he stated.

Turaki further accused the expelled members of prioritising personal interests over the party’s survival, claiming that some had traded the party’s fortunes for political favours.

He alleged that they had “mortgaged the fate of our party to the President and the APC, in return for political appointments and other favours.”

The PDP factional chairman also referenced the recent FCT Area Council Elections, insisting that the party would not “surrender” its platform to individuals seeking to negotiate with the ruling party for selfish gains.

“This disposition is obviously against the principles of multiparty democracy, which is the best option for a heterogeneous and pluralistic society like ours,” Turaki added.

Urging party faithful and the public to disregard the alleged congresses, Turaki clarified that the PDP was currently focused on strengthening its internal structures through digital reforms.

“We therefore urge all our members and the general public to discountenance the said planned congresses in the said states. What the party is currently undertaking is the digital membership registration, which has commenced and is progressing well,” he said.

He assured members that the leadership would continue to provide timely updates as political events unfold.

“We will keep our members updated about the developments concomitant with the new political realities unfolding,” Turaki stated.

The clarification comes amid deepening divisions within the PDP, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership and decision-making authority.

Naija News reports that the faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisted that its planned national convention slated for March 29-30 would proceed despite ongoing litigation.

The PDP National Caretaker Committee, led by acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been formally notified of the proposed convention.

Speaking with The PUNCH, the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, alongside committee member Okechukwu Osuoha, maintained that efforts were underway to organise a fully inclusive convention.

However, the Makinde-aligned faction led by Turaki has objected strongly, insisting that the FCT Minister’s bloc lacks the capacity and locus standi to conduct any congress or national convention on behalf of the party.