The PDP faces significant challenges unless it addresses internal issues directly and takes decisive action regarding members who have not adhered to party policies and resolutions, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike. It is unrealistic to expect that an individual actively supporting President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him, would prioritise
The PDP faces significant challenges unless it addresses internal issues directly and takes decisive action regarding members who have not adhered to party policies and resolutions, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike. It is unrealistic to expect that an individual actively supporting President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him, would prioritise strengthening the PDP.
It is becoming more obvious that no matter what actions the PDP takes, it cannot satisfy those determined to undermine it. The Wike group’s main goal appears to be weakening the PDP’s ability to serve as an effective opposition to the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
The Wike group does not have a vested interest in the November convention taking place, as it would result in a restructuring of the party. This change would diminish their influence and reduce their access to information sources within the organisation. The initial assumption was that the PDP did not wish to take any actions against Wike, who had previously been a significant supporter of the Party. However, this is no longer the case.
The PDP should remove Wike promptly, as dead trees pose risks and can harbour harmful elements. It will keep infecting others until the place becomes empty. Wike’s actions appear to be deliberate and thoroughly planned, involving multiple assessed scenarios. He uses his influence by providing incentives for supporters and applying pressure to those who oppose his interests.
It was, therefore, not surprising when on Monday, some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, under the platform of the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, issued a six-point demand that the party hierarchy, the National Working Committee, NWC, must meet before the national convention in November.
As part of their demands, the Wike’s camp expressed satisfaction with the zoning arrangements already adopted by the National Executive Committee (NEC). However, they insisted that the National Working Committee must ensure that no form of micro-zoning was introduced, arguing that such a move would jeopardise peace and stability within the party.
They maintained that the national chairmanship position should remain in the North-Central, in accordance with the zoning formula adopted during the 2021 convention. Former Governor Ortom, who spoke for the group, stressed the group’s collective commitment to the principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law, which he described as the very foundations on which the PDP was built and on which its survival still depended.
The group is demanding fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states as per court rulings, a new South-East zonal congress, immediate Ekiti LGA congresses, recognition of South-South congress results upheld by courts, and an end to unauthorised micro-zoning. They warned that failing to meet these demands would invalidate the upcoming convention.
The PDP has responded quickly and warned the persons behind the destabilisation of the party’s convention to desist forthwith. In the Wike’s camp are Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), among other members, warning them that the party will neither be blackmailed nor hijacked.
The PDP barked at the inauguration of the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee (main committee), where PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum; Bauchi State governor and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed; Chairman of the Convention Committee and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; and former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, represented by former Kaduna governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, openly confronted the threats to the party’s cohesion.
Speaking on behalf of other Governors of the party, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State warned that governors will not allow the party to be dragged into self-destruction. “We are not cowards; we are not afraid of anybody. But we cannot continue to keep quiet and allow people to take us to the slaughterhouse. That is their job. Our job is to make sure we don’t go to the slaughterhouse. We will not allow it.
“Accommodation does not mean stupidity. If anybody wants to form a faction of fools, we will allow him to go and do so. We are working with the National Working Committee to ensure discipline is maintained. PDP is the only party that has remained consistent since 1999, and we will not allow anybody to take it for granted. Enough is enough,” he declared, sending a direct shot at Wike and his camp.
The PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, reinforced the fight back, declaring that the party will not buckle under pressure. “Today, I say with conviction that the PDP is not broken. The PDP is not defeated. The PDP is marching forward stronger, more determined, and better prepared to reclaim the presidency of this great country and rebuild Nigeria from the mismanagement of the current ruling party.”
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of backing internal saboteurs to destabilise the PDP: “The ruling party has shown no regard for democracy. Their only interest lies in disenfranchising voters and stealing mandates. Just as our founding fathers once challenged the military, we too must rescue Nigeria’s democracy from undemocratic forces.”
The PDP Convention Committee Chairman, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, vowed to deliver a free and fair convention, making it clear that no amount of pressure from within or outside the party will derail the process.
“I will not place our relationships above this party. I will deliver on my assignment. Nobody will be denied the chance to contest any position. Buy the forms, submit them, and test your popularity before the delegates. That is how democracy works,” he declared.
He assured members that his committee will deliver ‘the fairest and most credible convention ever’ and called on them to rise above selfish interests. The secretariat is open, the work begins now, and I call on all members of the committee to sacrifice personal comfort to ensure that we deliver a transparent, successful convention that will send a clear message: PDP is alive, PDP is united, and PDP is ready to take power,” Fintiri said.
Party leaders stated unequivocally that they will not yield to threats. Although Wike and his associates have presented certain demands, the PDP leadership has affirmed that the party’s direction will be determined by adherence to discipline, the will of the majority, and a commitment to regaining power.
