ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is heading for a fierce showdown ahead of its November National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, as two rival camps brace for control of the opposition party’s future.
On one side is the camp led by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, backed by former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu). Meeting late Monday in Abuja, the group issued a six-point ultimatum to the PDP leadership, demanding immediate action on fresh congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, and Ekiti states, a new South-East zonal congress, respect for South-South congress results upheld by the courts, an end to micro-zoning, and the retention of the national chairmanship in the North-Central.
The Wike camp warned that failure to comply would render the forthcoming convention “invalid.”
But the PDP leadership fired back with defiance. At the inauguration of the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, party heavyweights — including National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum; PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed; Convention Committee Chairman and Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; and former Kaduna Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, representing PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara — closed ranks to reject Wike’s demands.
Governor Bala Mohammed was blunt: “We are not cowards; we are not afraid of anybody. Accommodation does not mean stupidity. If anybody wants to form a faction of fools, we will allow him. Enough is enough.”
Damagum reinforced the stance, declaring: “The PDP is not broken. The PDP is not defeated. We are stronger, more determined, and ready to reclaim the presidency. We will not buckle under pressure.”
Senator Makarfi added that while inclusivity is key, “the majority cannot be held hostage by a few.”
Convention Committee Chairman, Ahmadu Fintiri, vowed to deliver “the fairest and most credible convention ever,” stressing that no threats would derail the process. “Buy the forms, submit them, and test your popularity before delegates. That is how democracy works,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wike and his allies insist their demands are rooted in fairness and respect for court rulings. In a communiqué signed by Ortom, they cautioned: “Unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or neglect of judicial pronouncements. Any attempt to ignore these resolutions will plunge the party into deeper crisis.”
As both camps dig in, the PDP faces what many describe as a defining moment — a battle that could either strengthen its bid to reclaim power in 2027 or tear it apart.
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