PDP Convention Holds Amid Deepening Crisis

PDP Convention Holds Amid Deepening Crisis

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to hold its National Convention in Abuja today (Sunday) amid deepening internal divisions, as state chapters and key stakeholders remain split over the legitimacy of the exercise.

 

The convention, organised by a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has drawn both support and strong opposition within the party.

 

Chairman of the PDP in Edo State and head of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, Tony Aziegbemi, warned that the convention should not proceed due to a pending case before the Supreme Court.

 

He argued that going ahead with the gathering would amount to a violation of the rule of law.

 

“The convention being planned by the Wike faction is illegal, as there is a case at the Supreme Court which is yet to be decided,” Aziegbemi said, urging party members to boycott the event.

 

He also questioned the authenticity of delegates expected at the convention, alleging discrepancies with records held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

Echoing similar concerns, the Sokoto State chapter of the party announced it would not participate, declaring neutrality in the ongoing leadership dispute.

 

However, other state chapters have thrown their weight behind the convention.

 

In Kwara State, the party leadership confirmed it would send delegates after what it described as extensive consultations. State Chairman Isa Bawa said participation would allow the chapter to shape future decisions within the party.

 

The Kebbi State chapter also affirmed its readiness, with Secretary Abubakar Kalgo stating that delegates had been fully mobilised, while the Osun State chapter indicated its intention to participate.

 

About 2,500 delegates are expected at the convention, where the party is set to affirm members of a new National Working Committee, including Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and Acting National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

 

The event will take place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

 

The PDP constitution provides for a 19-member National Working Committee to manage the affairs of the party, and the Wike-backed faction has adopted a consensus approach in selecting candidates for the positions.

 

Defending the process, Wike said reconciliation efforts would continue beyond the convention, noting that disagreements are inevitable in a large political organisation.

 

“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone,” he said.

 

He also dismissed concerns over the pending Supreme Court case, insisting it would not affect the convention, and expressed optimism about the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Despite these assurances, the crisis appears far from resolved.

 

Key figures aligned with the opposing faction, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, have distanced themselves from the convention.

 

“Our leaders, governors, members of the BoT and NEC will not attend,” said the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.

 

The convention comes at a critical time for the PDP, as the party battles internal fragmentation while attempting to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.