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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, says its 2026 convention will go ahead as planned, brushing off reported court threats and internal divisions in a firm show of control ahead of a crucial gathering.
The convention is a test of legitimacy and unity amid rival factions, legal uncertainty and competing claims that could shape the PDP’s path to 2027.
Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, spokesman of the NCWC, made the party’s position clear at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, declaring that preparations were complete.
Read Also: Kano Deputy Gov Tenders Resignation Amid Impeachment Bid
“Tomorrow’s convention marks yet another defining moment in the life of the PDP, a moment that reaffirms our democratic ideals, our respect for due process, and our unwavering dedication to the will of the people,” he said.
He added that all arrangements had been concluded, with the process designed to be credible, transparent and inclusive, in line with party rules and national laws.
“We wish to assure all party faithful and the general public that this convention is being conducted in full compliance with the constitution of our party and in line with all relevant laws,” Jungudo said.
Despite talk of possible court action, the PDP insisted there was nothing concrete and said it had not been served with any legal notice.
“As you have heard, the convention will go ahead tomorrow, and all arrangements have been concluded. By the grace of God, on 29 March, the convention will hold as scheduled,” he said.
The party also drew a sharp line between its process and that of a rival faction backed by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, insisting its convention rests on firm legal ground.
While acknowledging internal disagreements, the PDP downplayed the split, pointing to what it described as broad and growing support ahead of the convention.
“Even within an extended family, you do not expect everyone to be on the same page. We currently have the largest following within the party,” Jungudo said.
He added that reconciliation remained open, but signalled that the process would not slow down for dissent.
“The party has taken a direction. Anyone who feels aggrieved and chooses not to align with us is within their constitutional rights,” he said.
The party also rejected claims of opacity in its nomination process, pushing back at critics over awareness of the sale of forms.
“If you are reporting for a media organisation that is unaware of the process, then perhaps the organisation is not well informed,” Jungudo said.
He further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for providing what he described as a conducive environment for the convention.
“We have complied with all party regulations and processes. We are fully compliant, 100 per cent compliant. By the grace of God, the convention will hold tomorrow,” he added.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, has reportedly stepped down from office, according to a statement released by the Kwankwasiyya Movement, though the state government has yet to issue an official confirmation.
In the statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, the political group said the decision was taken after careful consideration and in the interest of maintaining stability in the state’s governance.
It explained that prevailing circumstances had made it difficult for the deputy governor to effectively carry out the full scope of his duties.
“This decision, though difficult, has been taken in the overall interest of the people and the stability of governance in Kano State,” the statement said.
The development follows allegations levelled against the deputy governor by the Kano State House of Assembly.
However, the movement stressed that his resignation should not be interpreted as an acceptance of any wrongdoing.
“The Deputy Governor maintains his innocence and firmly believes that his records in office and public service remain a testament to his integrity and commitment to the people,” the statement added.
The group also disclosed that the former deputy governor intends to channel his efforts into strengthening the Kwankwasiyya Movement, with a focus on restructuring and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As at the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation or reaction from the Kano State government regarding the reported resignation.
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered the immediate suspension without pay of civil servants found absent from their duty posts by 10 a.m. Thursday, following an unannounced inspection of the Jerome Udorji Secretariat in Awka that exposed widespread absenteeism across multiple ministries and departments.
A video shared by the state government’s new media team showed Soludo moving through several offices, visibly displeased as he queried officials present and demanded explanations for absent colleagues. The unscheduled nature of the visit caught many workers off guard and caused disruption across a number of departments.
“I walked in, office by office, and there are quite a significant number of workers who are not yet at work as of 10 a.m. This is unacceptable,” the governor told journalists after completing his walkthrough. He described what he found as a mixture of “the good, the bad and the ugly,” commending diligent staff whose conduct he said formed the backbone of the state’s public service while making clear that chronic absenteeism and poor timekeeping would no longer be tolerated.
“By 10 a.m., if they are not in their seats, we don’t need them,” Soludo declared, adding that underperforming staff whom he described as “bad eggs” would be removed from the service entirely. “Anambra is an A-state and cannot afford an inefficient civil service.”
