Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are escalating as the November national convention, scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, faces threats of disruption from Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Wike’s opposition stems from his fallout with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his grievances over unresolved party disputes. He has warned that unless the PDP addresses issues surrounding the South-South and South-East leadership, the convention may collapse into fresh crisis.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Wike insisted that Chief Dan Orbih remains the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South), warning that any attempt to undermine the Calabar congress that produced him could reignite party turmoil. He also demanded the removal of South-East Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, citing a court order against him.
“If they want another round of crisis, so be it… I am not part of any convention until these anomalies are corrected,” Wike declared.
The PDP leadership has, however, dismissed Wike’s threats. National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stressed that the convention will proceed on November 15–16 as scheduled, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) duly notified.
“The train towards the convention has left the station. All NEC members, including Wike, received formal notices. We are moving ahead,” Ologunagba said, warning that the party would not tolerate disloyalty.
Other party figures, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former South-West Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso, accused Wike of overreaching himself. They vowed to resist attempts to derail the rebuilding process of the PDP after a wave of defections to the APC and ADC.
Former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, dismissed Wike’s threat as “mere noise,” stressing that no individual could override a NEC decision.
In Oyo, state PDP Chairman Dayo Ogungbenro downplayed the tension, expressing confidence that party leaders would resolve the rift ahead of the convention.
With battle lines drawn, the November convention—seen as crucial to the PDP’s revival—could either solidify the party’s rebuilding efforts or plunge it deeper into internal crisis.
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