PDP Moves Convention to Ibadan Amid Makinde-Wike Power Tussle for Control

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has changed the venue of its Elective National Convention to Ibadan, Oyo State.

This fresh move is now shaking the already fragile peace within the party’s leadership ranks.

At the centre of the storm: Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike — once G5 allies, now bitter rivals.

The decision was taken during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Before now, the convention was scheduled to hold in Kano next month.

Makinde’s Grip Tightens as 2027 Eyes Shift South

With Ibadan now hosting the party’s highest decision-making gathering from November 15 to 16, observers say Makinde’s influence has deepened.

Party insiders believe this may weaken Wike’s camp even more, ahead of the 2027 elections.

During the closed-door NEC session, members also resolved to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

A NEC member, who spoke off record, said: “We adopted the founding fathers’ recommendation to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This is meant to rebuild trust after the 2023 fallout.”

While Makinde’s supporters welcomed the shift, others saw it as a power play designed to pave way for his presidential ambition.

“At the same time, we retained the existing zoning formula for national offices to prevent further conflict,” the source added.

Wike vs Makinde: PDP’s House Still Divided

This latest decision has widened the crack between the camps of Makinde and Wike.

Once political brothers-in-arms, the two men now trade accusations of sabotage and disloyalty.

Wike believes Makinde “broke internal agreements and is trying to wreck the PDP from within.”

Makinde’s allies, on the other hand, claim Wike is “quietly working to help APC ahead of 2027 by weakening PDP structures.”

In a bold move, the NEC also ordered legal steps to recover seats from lawmakers who defected to other parties.

Quoting the law, it stated: “By virtue of Sections 68 (1) (g) and 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution, such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats.”

NEC further warned members flirting with rival parties to either come home or risk facing sanctions.

“The law does not allow membership of two political parties at the same time,” PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba said.

To ensure the Ibadan convention goes smoothly, the NEC has approved the formation of both the National Convention Committee and Convention Zoning Committee.

But despite all the plans on paper, the war of influence between Makinde and Wike could still unsettle things.

The party’s next NEC meeting is fixed for Monday, 25 August 2025.

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