PDP National Convention: Internal Crisis Looms as Wike Faction Pushes Forward
By: Abudu Olalekan
Nowhere is calm inside the PDP right now. With the National Convention kicking off today in Abuja, unity among state chairmen has vanished like smoke. One moment they stand together, next – silence, then shouting. Not even shared history keeps them aligned anymore.
Fueled by supporters of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the gathering gains momentum. Still, some remain uninvolved.
Still, Tony Aziegbemi won’t accept it. As Edo State’s PDP chairman and leader of the group holding that title across states, he stood firm. Talking to Reportersroom, one thing came through – hold off on the gathering. The reason sits quietly but firmly: a matter waits decision at Nigeria’s highest court.
Finding progress here feels like watching someone ignore the rules on purpose.
Calling the event organized by the Wike group unlawful, he spoke without hesitation. Stay clear, his message ran, directed at party leaders across states. Members should keep their distance too. A caution aimed at INEC followed – beware those posing as official attendees. In his view, the roster in circulation holds no truth. Fake names, he insists, make up the whole thing.
Suddenly, Sokoto aligns completely. According to their Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sanyinawal, participation has been ruled out entirely. Playing it straight down the middle seems to be the current move. Being part of the PDP means nothing more than membership here – no sides taken.
Yet there’s also what happens on the opposite end.
Now comes word from Kwara. Alhaji Isa Bawa confirms movement toward involvement. Talks stretched on, meeting after meeting filled the days. Yet out of all that, a choice took shape – joining in feels right now. This follows their earlier gathering held months ago in Ibadan, during November’s stretch.
Kebbi has thrown its weight behind the move. The state secretary, Abubakar Kalgo, spoke to a reporter in Birnin Kebbi, confirming that team members have been gathered and are prepared. Pressed on whether Kebbi formally supports Wike, Kalgo stayed cautious. He warned against inaccurate reporting, then added simply – what matters is they will be there
Classic politician move.
Folks in Osun are moving along the same path. Meetings have included Sunday Bisi, who says tomorrow’s session will see him show up again.
Here we go again at the Velodrome inside Moshood Abiola National Stadium. Around two thousand five hundred people are set to show up. Their move? Backing Abdulrahman Mohammed into the seat of Acting National Chairman. Next comes Senator Samuel Anyanwu – slotted in as Acting National Secretary. Seventeen more names pop up for roles on the National Working Committee. Things unfold fast once everyone gathers.
The 2017 Constitution says the NWC must have 19 people before it can work – starting with the Chair and going all the way to those leading youth and women. Earlier, Reportersroom pointed out how the faction supported by Wike relies on agreement among members to choose these positions, aiming at keeping the party steady through the coming four years.
Wike himself seems unfazed. While inspecting the venue, he talked about reconciliation. He loves the “umbrella” metaphor. “The PDP is a very large party,” he said. “Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.”
Already eyeing 2027, he brushed aside the Supreme Court plea from Kabiru Turaki’s group, saying nothing will slow things down. The Presidency headed south, the Chair north – that’s how the party plans it now. Surprise awaits Nigeria, according to him. Momentum keeps moving regardless.
A crack runs wide between them. Yet it stretches further than anyone thought.
Big names close to Turaki keep their distance. Confirming the move, Ini Ememobong – spokesperson for the group of governors – noted attendance is low among key figures. Seyi Makinde from Oyo stays away. So does Bala Mohammed of Bauchi. Even Adolphus Wabara, chair of the Board of Trustees, won’t be showing up.
Bottom line: the event’s going ahead, yet most of those who hold real influence inside the group aren’t attending at all.
