PDP Convention: Fresh Rift as Wike Camp Issues Demands

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed that its elective national convention will take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, despite objections raised by loyalists of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

On Tuesday, PDP governors, led by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, restated their commitment to the convention during the inauguration of the 119-member National Convention Planning Committee, chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa. Mohammed declared that the party will not be intimidated, stressing that disciplinary measures would be applied against members undermining the PDP’s unity.

The position came in response to a communiqué issued on Monday night by Wike’s allies under the banner of “Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.” The group, after a meeting led by former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, warned that the convention would be “invalid” if their conditions were ignored.

Among their demands, the stakeholders insisted that:

• The office of National Chairman must remain in the North-Central, in line with the 2021 zoning arrangement.

• No micro-zoning of positions should take place.

• Fresh congresses must be held in Ebonyi and Anambra States, and a new South-East Zonal Congress conducted.

• The outcome of the South-South congress held in Calabar should be recognised.

• The Ekiti State local government congress should be organised immediately.

They argued that failure to meet these conditions would disenfranchise legitimate members and jeopardise party unity. “The PDP was built on fairness and inclusivity,” the communiqué read. “Any deviation undermines its survival.”

However, Governor Bala Mohammed dismissed the threats, declaring, “We are not cowards. We will not allow arrogance or impunity to derail this convention.” He added that the PDP remains committed to transparency and inclusivity but will not be blackmailed.

In his remarks, PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum assured members that the convention will proceed as scheduled, describing it as a crucial step in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasised that the opposition party has weathered internal crises and remains the “most formidable alternative” to the ruling APC.

The Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, represented by Ahmed Makarfi, also appealed for unity. He encouraged aspirants to test their strength at the polls rather than disrupt the process, stressing that zoning should not exclude any qualified candidate from contesting.

Meanwhile, Oyo PDP spokesperson Micheal Ogunsina described the convention as a “done deal,” insisting that “no force can stop it.” Similarly, Bauchi PDP dismissed Wike’s factional demands as “the ranting of an ant.”

Several PDP leaders have accused Wike of attempting to destabilise the party, with some alleging that he is working in the interest of the ruling APC. Nonetheless, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, maintained that the Ibadan convention date is non-negotiable and urged members to prepare for the event.

With both camps holding firm, the November convention is shaping up as a decisive moment that could either heal or further fracture Nigeria’s main opposition party.