A fresh crisis is brewing within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governors of the party have dismissed threats by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to scuttle the party’s national convention slated for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Wike, alongside a bloc of former governors, had issued six conditions for supporting the convention, including fresh congresses in Anambra and Ebonyi States and recognition of the South-South Zonal Congress.
But at the inauguration of a 110-member National Convention Committee in Abuja, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, declared that the party would no longer tolerate what he described as “rascality and impunity.”
“If anybody wants to form a faction of fools, we will allow him. We are not cowards and will not be blackmailed. Enough is enough,” Mohammed said.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who chairs the Convention Organising Committee, pledged to deliver a credible convention that would reposition the PDP for electoral victory in 2027.
Party insiders accused Wike of plotting to factionalise the PDP as a bargaining chip with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). National Chairman, Umar Damagum, however, maintained that the party remained united, stressing: “The PDP is not broken, not defeated. We are marching forward to reclaim the presidency in 2027.”
Former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, said Wike should no longer be dignified with responses, describing his outbursts as distractions. “If he likes, let him hold a parallel convention. INEC will decide which one counts,” he said.
South-West leaders, led by National Vice Chairman Kamourudeen Ajisafe, appealed for unity, warning that endless disputes could derail efforts to rescue Nigeria from misgovernance. “The priority now is a successful convention. Personal ambitions must give way to party unity,” Ajisafe stressed.
Meanwhile, the Wike-led faction, including ex-governors Samuel Ortom, Ayodele Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, issued a communiqué rejecting the party’s micro-zoning formula and insisting that the national chairmanship remain in the North-Central. The group demanded fresh congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, and the South-East, as well as recognition of the South-South congress held in Calabar.
“The PDP stands at a defining crossroads. Any convention that disenfranchises members will lack legitimacy,” the communiqué warned.
As both camps dig in, the battle over the November convention appears set to shape not only the PDP’s internal cohesion but also its chances in the 2027 general elections.
Leave a comment