In the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), tensions have escalated sharply as two dominant factions prepare for a fierce showdown ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The camp led by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has issued a six-point ultimatum directed at the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), demanding compliance with court rulings and internal party reforms before the convention can proceed.
This faction demands fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states, a new South-East zonal congress, immediate conduct of Ekiti Local Government Area congresses, adherence to court-upheld South-South congress outcomes, an end to micro-zoning beyond the NEC-approved formula, and the retention of the national chairmanship in the North Central zone.
The Wike-led group warns that failure to meet these demands would render any national convention “invalid,” arguing that the PDP must uphold fairness, inclusivity, and respect for judicial pronouncements to remain a credible opposition party.
In a firm counter, PDP leadership, including National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and the Governors’ Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed, rejected the ultimatums, vowing that the party will not be held hostage or blackmailed by any faction.
Bala Mohammed stressed that PDP governors are resolute against any move toward self-destruction within the party, declaring, “We are not cowards; we are not afraid of anybody… Accommodation does not mean stupidity.”
He called on all members to respect discipline and unity as the party prepares to reclaim the presidency in 2027.
At the inauguration of the National Convention Organizing Committee in Abuja, Damagum reaffirmed the party’s strength and readiness.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to destabilize the PDP using internal saboteurs and reassured members that the PDP remains united and determined.
Former Senate President and Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, echoed the sentiments, calling for democratic process respect and insisting that the majority’s will must prevail, while Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, chairman of the convention committee, promised a free and fair convention devoid of intimidation.
Wike’s camp includes influential figures such as former governors Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, alongside the party’s National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
This faction insists that party unity cannot be built on exclusion or ignoring court rulings and that only transparency and fairness will guarantee a credible convention.
This mounting internal conflict has cast a shadow over the PDP’s convention preparations, placing the party at a critical crossroads.
With both sides publicly entrenched, the forthcoming elective National Convention is set to be a defining moment for the PDP, testing its ability to manage internal democracy and present a unified front against the ruling party in the approaching general elections.
