The Northern Elders Unity Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his loyalists of attempting to destabilise the opposition party and weaken democratic contestation ahead of the 2027 polls.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 18th meeting, the Forum reaffirmed confidence in Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, the party’s Acting National Chairman, and condemned moves by some party figures to frustrate preparations for the national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The National Secretary of the Forum, Dr Abbas Sadauki (Dan Madamin Tofa), in a strongly-worded statement, said the decision was unanimous.

“No amount of intimidation, threats or propaganda will stop the successful conduct of the national convention in Ibadan,” he said.

Sadauki alleged that some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were working with “external forces” to undermine the unity and future of the PDP.

“Those scheming to truncate the convention are political jokers — predators unleashed against our collective interest,” he said, warning that such efforts “will backfire and end in shame.”

According to the Forum, Wike’s political influence is “at the centre of internal sabotage”, with his allies accused of “using court cases and state power to destroy any viable opposition platform.”

The elders pledged full support for Damagum and other leaders “genuinely committed to rebuilding and uniting the PDP ahead of 2027.”

They urged the judiciary and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “beware of political mercenaries manipulating institutions to destabilise democracy.”

Reiterating loyalty to the current leadership, the Forum maintained that the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to proceed with the Ibadan convention “remains binding on every disciplined member.”

“Our support for the Damagum-led leadership is sacrosanct. Every loyal party member must respect the NEC decision to protect the unity and progress of the party,” the statement concluded.