The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will proceed with its national convention as scheduled, dismissing concerns over internal disputes and ongoing legal challenges.
He also expressed confidence that the party would surprise Nigerians with its performance in the 2027 general elections despite its current internal tensions.
Speaking in Abuja after inspecting preparations at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Velodrome, the designated venue for the convention, Wike maintained that reconciliation within the party would continue even after the convention concludes.
According to him, disagreements are inevitable in any large political organisation, but the PDP remains committed to accommodating aggrieved members in the interest of unity.
The minister further downplayed reports of a Supreme Court appeal filed by a faction loyal to former minister Tanimu Turaki, insisting that the party leadership had not been officially notified of any such legal action.
He stressed that the absence of any court order restraining the event meant that preparations would proceed uninterrupted.
The two-day convention, scheduled for March 29 and 30 in Abuja, is expected to bring together approximately 2,500 delegates from across the federation to elect or affirm new national officers ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Wike said arrangements were nearly complete, estimating that the planning process was about 95 per cent finished as of his inspection visit.
He emphasised that zoning decisions had already been agreed upon to ensure a smoother process. Under the arrangement, the party’s presidential ticket has been zoned to the South, while the national chairmanship has been allocated to the North.
Wike argued that this consensus-based approach would help the party avoid the divisions that have characterised previous conventions.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Wike-backed National Caretaker Working Committee, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, also confirmed that there was no court order stopping the convention.
Addressing journalists at a pre-convention briefing, he said all logistics had been concluded and that the gathering would hold as planned.
Mohammed noted that many prominent party stakeholders who had previously remained neutral in the factional disputes, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki and ex-governor Sule Lamido, had indicated their intention to attend the convention.
He described the event as a defining moment for the PDP, saying it would demonstrate the party’s commitment to internal democracy and due process.
Despite the assurances from the party leadership, divisions remain evident. The Sokoto State chapter of the PDP announced it would not participate in the Abuja convention, citing its neutral stance in the ongoing leadership tussle between rival factions.
In contrast, the Kebbi State chapter confirmed that its delegates would attend, describing the convention as an opportunity to strengthen cohesion within the party.
Behind the scenes, senior party figures have reportedly engaged in intense negotiations to balance regional interests and prevent a repeat of the bitter contests that marred previous conventions. Party insiders said the adoption of consensus arrangements for key positions was designed to project unity and readiness ahead of future elections.
Security personnel, accreditation officials and logistics teams were seen making final adjustments at the venue as delegates began arriving in the capital. Party officials expressed optimism that the convention would proceed without disruption and send a strong signal of stability to members and the public.
