Fresh tension has gripped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its much-anticipated national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, as reports suggest that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, may be plotting a parallel convention to counter the camp loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde.
Sources within the party disclosed that Wike, who has been at odds with the PDP leadership since the 2023 presidential election, is allegedly mobilising loyalists to frustrate the Ibadan convention, describing it as a ploy to advance Makinde’s political ambition.
Party insiders revealed that the former Rivers State governor’s camp is considering “a parallel meeting” to run simultaneously with the official convention in Ibadan. A chieftain of the party who spoke to Observers Times said, “Wike’s faction will hold its own convention, where he will be declared the party’s national leader. His group plans to enter into a formal alliance with the APC in the name of national interest.”
The source further claimed that the faction might also seek a court injunction to halt the Ibadan convention. “Wike could use a proxy to approach the court and obtain an order stopping the PDP from proceeding. If that happens, the Ibadan convention will become an exercise in futility,” the source added.
The crisis, which dates back to the fallout of the 2023 presidential primaries, has continued to deepen. Governor Makinde and Wike, who were once close allies, fell apart after the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the PDP’s presidential candidate a move Wike vehemently opposed.
Although the party has since zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, it appears that the decision has not healed the rift. Wike, who currently serves in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, is seen by many PDP loyalists as “a Trojan horse” within the opposition.
A senior PDP member said, “The loyalty of Wike clearly lies with President Tinubu. His recent activities suggest he is working more for the APC than the PDP. That’s why most members now see Makinde as the rallying point for rebuilding the party.”
Despite the tension, preparations for the convention are said to be in full gear. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, assured that the event would proceed as planned, warning that any member found engaging in anti-party activities would face sanctions.
“The PDP is ready for the November 15–16 convention in Ibadan. All logistical and accommodation arrangements have been concluded. We are prepared to reposition our party ahead of 2027,” Ologunagba said.
He added that the Ibadan convention would be the first of its kind to be held in the South-West, describing the region as “a vital pillar in Nigeria’s political development.”
Governor Makinde, who hosted the National Convention Organising Committee led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri last week, also issued a stern warning to those attempting to disrupt the process.
“Anyone trying to frustrate our preparations is only attempting to stop a moving train. Such actions amount to political suicide,” Makinde said after inspecting facilities prepared for the event.
Meanwhile, former Jigawa State governor and PDP stalwart, Sule Lamido, has called for Wike’s immediate expulsion, insisting that the party must rid itself of “divisive elements” before the 2027 elections.
He said, “Those who benefitted from the PDP and are now undermining it are ingrates. We must move forward and rebuild the party with loyal members who believe in our cause.”
