PDP Faction Defies Rivals to Begin Selling Nomination Forms for March 28 Convention; Court Ruling Clears Path for Anyanwu Group Amid Claims of ‘Form Hoarding’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is heading toward a “moment of truth” as its internal crisis reaches a boiling point ahead of this weekend’s national convention. On Monday, March 23, 2026, the faction led by National Secretary Sam Anyanwu officially commenced the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms, signaling their intent to proceed with the elective convention despite heavy opposition from within.

The atmosphere at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja was a mix of activity and tension. Supporters of the NWC arrived early to pick up forms, following a Board of Trustees (BOT) announcement that fixed the convention for March 28 and 29. This faction’s legitimacy was recently bolstered by a major judgment from the Court of Appeal, which dismissed challenges from rival groups and affirmed the current leadership’s right to organize the event.

However, the “Solution” for party unity seems further away than ever. Prominent party members have raised alarms over the transparency of the process. Chieftains like Sule Lamido have accused the leadership of “undemocratic” behavior, claiming that forms are being hoarded and sold only to hand-picked loyalists. Meanwhile, a rival faction linked to Nyesom Wike held its own parallel meeting in Abuja on Monday, with many observers predicting that the party is on the verge of a formal split.

As the deadline for the sale of forms approaches, political analysts warn that the PDP’s inability to speak with one voice could weaken its position as the country’s main opposition ahead of 2027. With both sides refusing to back down and legal battles still pending in various courts, the “umbrella” party faces its biggest test in years: whether this weekend will produce a new leadership or a permanent divorce.