Tensions are once again rising within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governors of the opposition party have threatened a showdown following fresh demands by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his loyalists ahead of the party’s national convention.
At a meeting held on Monday night, Wike’s camp issued new conditions for the November 15 and 16, 2025 elective National Convention slated for Ibadan, Oyo State.
The group, which described itself as Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, insisted there must be no micro-zoning of offices of the National Working Committee (NWC). They further demanded that the office of the national chairman must remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention.
“Failure to comply with the above resolutions and demands shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised,” the communique warned.
The group also demanded fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States in line with court judgments; a new and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress; recognition of the South-South Congress held in Calabar which has court backing; and an immediate conduct of the Ekiti State Local Government Congress in obedience to subsisting judgments.
Among those present at the meeting were former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), as well as PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The communique added: “Unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or neglect of valid judicial pronouncements. A credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, inclusivity and respect for the rule of law.”
Reacting to the conditions, PDP National Chairman, Amb. Illya Damagum, declared that the convention remains sacrosanct.
“This National Convention is of critical importance and it’s sacrosanct. The National Officers we elect will lead our great party into the next general elections and beyond,” he said at the inauguration of the National Convention Committee on Tuesday.
Damagum admitted he had often chosen restraint to avoid inflaming divisions. “This success has only been made possible by silence and tolerance on my part. Not because I enjoy being disparaged, but because at critical moments, I chose restraint, not out of weakness, but as a conscious sacrifice for the survival and stability of our party.”
He added: “Ironically, many of the destructive voices have come from individuals who have benefited immensely from the PDP. Yet history will record that in a time of great difficulty, this National Working Committee under my leadership held the line. 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.”
Damagum also accused the ruling party of undermining democracy. “Opposition parties were met with intimidation and blatant rigging. The ruling party has shown no regard for democracy; their only interest lies in disenfranchising voters and stealing mandates. Just as during the military era, we accept the responsibility to rescue Nigeria’s democracy from undemocratic forces.”
PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, pledged the backing of governors for the NWC while issuing a stern warning.
“We are with the NWC. We appreciate the sacrifice they are making. But enough is enough. We are not cowards and we are not afraid of anybody. We cannot allow people to take us to the slaughterhouse. It has to stop. Yes, consensus and accommodation, but accommodation cannot mean stupidity. If anybody wants to become a faction of fools, we will allow him to go and do it,” Bala declared.
He added that the governors were ready to flex their muscles to defend the party. “We will no longer tolerate anybody taking us for granted. We believe in the capacity of INEC as regulator. We are men of consensus, but we are also capable of standing firm against arrogance and impunity.”
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, represented by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, urged calm and inclusion.
“The National Convention is not about excluding anybody. It is about the majority having their way while the minority have their say. If you disagree, buy the form, go to the field and test your capacity. There should be no exclusion. That has been the PDP tradition since 1999.”
Deputy National Chairman, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, also insisted: “PDP belongs to all, not to any individual or group. PDP will not die. Nigerians know the credible alternative is the PDP, and we are heading back to Aso Rock.”
Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, Chairman of the National Convention Committee, pledged a transparent process.
“We are going to replicate the 2021 convention that elected the outgoing leadership. We will reconcile members, create consensus, and deliver the fairest and most credible convention ever. We want to open the gateway for those who shifted sides to return. By November 15 in Ibadan, history will be made,” Fintiri said.
The unfolding drama has placed the PDP at a defining crossroads. Wike’s camp is threatening to delegitimise the process if its demands are ignored, while the party leadership insists the convention will proceed as planned.
The outcome of this standoff will determine not only the party’s internal cohesion but also its ability to position itself as a credible opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chuks Okocha
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