The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party has deepened as state chairmen and key stakeholders remain sharply divided over the party’s national convention scheduled for Sunday, today in Abuja.
The convention, organised by a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has drawn both support and opposition from different state chapters.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Edo State PDP Chairman and head of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, Tony Aziegbemi, called for a boycott, citing an ongoing case before the Supreme Court. He warned that proceeding with the convention would amount to a disregard for the rule of law, alleging that the process was illegal and the list of delegates questionable.
Similarly, the Sokoto State chapter announced it would not participate. The state Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sanyinawal, said the chapter would remain neutral in the leadership dispute and avoid aligning with any faction.
In contrast, other state chapters have thrown their weight behind the convention. The Kwara State PDP Chairman, Isa Bawa, confirmed that delegates from the state would attend, following consultations among stakeholders. He noted that the outcome of the convention would shape the party’s next course of action.
The Kebbi State chapter also affirmed its participation, with Secretary Abubakar Kalgo stating that delegates had been mobilised and were ready for the exercise. He added that the decision was unanimously agreed upon by party stakeholders in the state.
In Osun State, PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi also indicated readiness to attend, maintaining alignment with the convention organisers.
About 2,500 delegates are expected at the gathering, which will hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. The convention is expected to ratify the emergence of acting national officers, including Acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed and Acting National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, alongside other members of the National Working Committee.
Meanwhile, Wike has defended the convention, dismissing concerns over a Supreme Court appeal filed by a rival faction aligned with Kabiru Turaki. He insisted that zoning arrangements and a consensus approach adopted by the party would ensure a smooth process, adding that reconciliation efforts would continue after the event.
However, the governors and stakeholders aligned with the Turaki-led bloc have distanced themselves from the convention. According to their camp’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, key figures including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara will not attend.
The latest disagreement underscores the deepening internal rift within the PDP, raising fresh concerns about the party’s unity ahead of future political contests.
