The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected calls for the establishment of a new caretaker committee in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that the party should proceed with its planned national convention.

Wike stated this on Wednesday during the party’s 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, which was convened by the faction led by the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed. While acknowledging ongoing efforts to reconcile feuding factions within the party, the FCT minister maintained that any reconciliation process should be pursued from a position of strength following recent court rulings.

According to Wike, the PDP had already completed the necessary arrangements for the convention, including payment of required fees and securing a venue. He therefore dismissed suggestions that another caretaker committee should be formed to appease aggrieved members, stressing that the convention must proceed as scheduled and that all stakeholders would be allowed to participate.

The former Rivers State governor also rejected claims that his role in the administration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had undermined his loyalty to the PDP. He noted that some of those who had accused him of disloyalty had since defected to the APC, while he remained a member of the PDP.

The call for reconciliation within the party gained momentum during both the NEC meeting and the 86th session of the Board of Trustees (BoT) chaired by Mao Ohuabunwa. The BoT leadership urged members to end prolonged internal disputes and reduce the frequent resort to litigation in resolving party matters.

Ohuabunwa described the moment as critical for the party, urging leaders to demonstrate wisdom, restraint and unity in navigating the ongoing challenges. He noted that the PDP had recorded progress in its internal reorganisation, citing the successful conduct of ward and local government congresses across the country.

The BoT chairman also expressed optimism that the forthcoming state congresses would further strengthen the party’s structures nationwide, while preparations continued for the national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

He further acknowledged recent rulings by the Court of Appeal affirming the legality and authority of the caretaker leadership, describing the judgments as providing clarity and stability for the party as it moves toward rebuilding unity and strengthening its structures ahead of future elections.