Tension is rising in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its National Elective Convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The camp loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has rejected the Southern Leaders’ Zoning Consultative meeting held in Lagos, describing it as illegal and divisive.
Meanwhile, PDP governors are set to gather in Gusau, Zamfara State, this weekend to seek unity before the convention.
Hours before the Lagos parley began, several state chairmen, National Assembly leaders, and former governors aligned with Wike publicly distanced themselves from it.
In a strongly worded statement, PDP leaders from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states declared: “We categorically dismiss any resolutions, communiqués, or outcomes purportedly emanating from this meeting as neither binding on, nor reflective of the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria.”
They accused the organisers of excluding key stakeholders, including state chairmen, lawmakers, and national officers.
“Such a brazen disregard for established structures and statutory organs of the PDP not only offends the spirit of collective decision-making but also risks undermining the very foundation upon which our party was built,” they warned.
Signatories included Minority Leader of the House of Representatives O.K. Chinda, Senators Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Nnachi, and former National Secretary Onwe S. Onwe.
They argued the Lagos talks were “premature and targeted at protecting the interest and selfish ambition of a select few.”
Makinde Fires Back: “I Won’t Go Into the Gutters”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who hosted the Lagos consultations, pushed back at Wike’s camp.
“Personally, when people go low or go into the gutters, I don’t go with them. Some people are now going into the gutters. We will reach out to them. That is democracy,” he said.
Makinde insisted the convention will hold as scheduled and that the zoning decision rests with the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Monday.
He added: “In all our states, they showed last Saturday that the PDP is not dead. In most other places of the 12 states, the PDP came second. It is an indication to us that if we continue to work hard, we can reclaim the confidence of Nigerians.”
The governor reminded members that rebuilding unity was more important than presidential zoning debates: “We haven’t even got there. We need to have a party first before you start talking about presidential candidates.”
PDP Governors Head to Zamfara as Wike Digs In On Support for Tinubu
Party insiders confirmed that the PDP Governors’ Forum will meet in Gusau on Saturday to iron out grievances and ensure Ibadan’s convention is not derailed.
“Our leaders have resolved to adopt political solutions where necessary to ensure the Ibadan convention holds as scheduled. They will also not hesitate to apply force through party structures if needed,” a source told reporters.
But Wike, who has openly supports the re-election of President Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC, struck a different tone during a project flag-off in Karu, Abuja.
“Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him,” Wike said, commending former FCT Senator Philip Aduda and AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu for “having access to the government and bringing something to the people.”
So, as PDP heads into its November convention, how does this party even hope to resolve its internal crisis when its leaders have parallel, irreconcilable political interests as Nigeria heads towards the next general election in 2027?Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, and join us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
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