The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, may be heading for turbulence following a threat by Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to oppose the event.
The convention, fixed for November 15–16, is expected to produce 19 new members of the National Working Committee as part of the party’s rebuilding process. However, Wike, a member of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), has declared that unresolved issues in the South-South and South-East zones could trigger another crisis.
The former Rivers State governor, who has fallen out with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, argued that the South-South congress produced Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman and warned the party against recognizing Ali Odefa as South-East Vice Chairman, whom a court had removed.
Speaking on a live television programme, Wike said:
“Until these matters are resolved, I will not be part of any convention. If they refuse to correct these injustices, the party should be ready for a fresh round of crisis.”
His comments have drawn sharp reactions from the PDP leadership. National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, insisted that NEC decisions are binding and warned that “necessary actions” would be taken against anyone undermining the process.
Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, cited Supreme Court judgments declaring internal party matters non-justiciable, while former South-West Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso, accused Wike of plotting to destabilize the PDP.
Elder statesman Bode George also dismissed Wike’s threat, stressing that no individual could override NEC’s decision.
“No one owns PDP. The NEC has fixed Ibadan as the venue, and that’s where we are going,” George said.
Despite the uproar, Oyo PDP chairman Dayo Ogungbenro downplayed Wike’s comments, describing them as “mere political statements” that would be resolved before the convention.
The PDP, still reeling from recent high-profile defections, views the Ibadan gathering as crucial to its repositioning ahead of 2027.
