Strong indications have emerged that the November National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), slated for Ibadan, Oyo State, may face disruption following threats by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to halt the exercise.
Wike’s opposition is believed to stem from his sour relationship with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and lingering disputes within the party over zoning and leadership recognition.
The PDP, however, has warned that it would not tolerate any attempt to undermine its preparations for the elective convention scheduled for November 15 and 16.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, cautioned Wike against subverting the collective interest of the PDP, stressing that disciplinary action would be taken against him if necessary.
> “The PDP constitution is clear. Our preparation is going on smoothly. INEC has been duly informed, committees are working, and the Ibadan convention will hold as scheduled. Nobody is bigger than the party,” Ologunagba declared.
Other National Executive Committee (NEC) members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former South-West Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso, accused the FCT Minister of overreaching himself, vowing that his threats would not derail the party’s rebuilding efforts.
The PDP recently resolved to elect 19 new National Working Committee members at the Ibadan convention, as part of moves to restructure the party after a turbulent period that saw the defection of key figures such as former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, his running mate Ifeanyi Okowa, and several governors to rival parties.
But Wike, in a televised interview, dismissed the convention plans as illegal, arguing that the PDP must first recognize Chief Dan Orbih as the legitimate South-South Vice Chairman and remove South-East leader Ali Odefa, whom a court had reportedly sacked.
> “If they refuse to correct these anomalies, then they should expect another round of crisis. Nobody can deny me my right to challenge impunity,” Wike warned.
Allies of the minister, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, have also rallied around him, with sources confirming that his camp is prepared to “fight to the end.”
Nonetheless, PDP elders such as former Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George dismissed Wike’s threats as “mere noise,” insisting that the NEC decision on the Ibadan convention was binding.
> “No individual owns the PDP. The NEC has spoken, and the convention will hold in Ibadan. Wike cannot dictate to the rest of us,” George said.
Meanwhile, Oyo State PDP Chairman Dayo Ogungbenro expressed optimism that the rift would be resolved before November, noting that politics often involved sharp disagreements but also reconciliation.
As tensions heighten, all eyes are now on the PDP’s convention in Ibadan, which could either strengthen the party’s rebuilding process—or deepen its internal crisis, depending on how the standoff with Wike is managed.
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