PDP Crisis: Wike Bloc Plans State Congresses, National Convention

A major faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to conduct state congresses and eventually organise a national convention to elect new party officials across all levels. The development marks a significant step in the ongoing internal tussle that has continued to divide the opposition party.

Speaking during the opening session of the factional Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting held at Wike’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, the factional BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, said preparations were underway to reorganise structures in states affected by disputes. He noted that the process would include the constitution of caretaker committees ahead of the planned congresses and convention.

Reorganisation of PDP Structures

Senator Ohuabunwa said the effort to rebuild confidence and restore the party’s internal order was central to the plans being pursued by the faction. He emphasized that the group intended to ensure transparent processes in forming the leadership at various levels of the party.

According to him, the committee arrangements and upcoming congresses formed part of a wider attempt to rebuild trust and strengthen internal mechanisms in order to maintain the PDP’s reputation as a party committed to fairness and inclusive governance. He stated that these steps would help the party reposition itself for future political responsibilities.

Support for PDP Factional Leadership

The factional BoT chairman announced that the body would continue to support the factional National Working Committee (NWC) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed. He insisted that the faction was determined that all decisions and processes must comply strictly with PDP guidelines and the rule of law.

Ohuabunwa added that the BoT had a constitutional responsibility to serve as a stabilising force within the PDP, stressing that its duty was to safeguard the values and ideals for which the PDP was founded. He called on members of the Board to maintain unity and uphold ongoing reforms that would enable the PDP to emerge stronger and more cohesive.

A Deepening Internal Dispute

The present development adds a new dimension to the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, coming only weeks after another faction, aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, held a national convention in Ibadan. That convention, which produced Turaki Taminu as national chairman, was conducted under conflicting court orders that both permitted and halted the exercise.

The emergence of parallel leaderships and repeated factional meetings have continued to raise concerns about the PDP’s coherence and readiness for future national political engagements. However, Ohuabunwa maintained that unity, discipline and strict adherence to party processes remained essential in safeguarding the party’s future.