The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing an existential crisis as a deepening rift between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde threatens to disrupt the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Wike has vowed to halt the event, citing unresolved issues within the party, including the disputed South-South Caretaker Committee and the retention of Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South East).
According to Wike, the party’s crisis might seem resolved for now, but fresh conflicts could erupt if the PDP refuses to acknowledge the zonal congress that elected Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman, South-South. “If they don’t agree, that’s another round of crisis,” he warned. Wike also expressed concerns about Ali Odefa’s status, stating that he is no longer a member of the party due to a court order. “The south-east vice chairman, Ali Odefa, is no longer a member of the party. We will not condone impunity. I will not allow it. We will fight it except they correct it,” he said.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, has cautioned Wike that decisive action would be taken against him if he continues to undermine the party’s collective interests. “We are focused on our process to have a seamless national convention, and we will do that because this is the hope of democracy in this country,” Ologunagba stated. He assured that all NEC members were duly informed about the convention and insisted that it would hold as scheduled.
PDP National Executive Committee members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, have accused Wike of overstepping his bounds. Osadolor reminded Wike that the Supreme Court has ruled that internal party matters are non-justiciable, urging him to support the party’s rebuilding efforts. “No matter who is going to court or who is not going to court, the programs of the party are set, and nothing will go against it,” Osadolor said.
Former Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George described Wike’s threat to stop the convention as “mere noise”. “No individual owns this party (PDP). NEC decided that there will be a national convention, and it will be held in Ibadan. Any individual can make his noise,” George said. He advised Wike to follow the party’s rules and constitution.
The Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, believes that the party’s leaders would resolve the issues ahead of the convention. “It’s a sheer political statement, nothing less, nothing more… Everything is politics, and our leaders will resolve it, no matter what happens,” Ogungbenro stated.
The rift between Wike and Makinde stems from a power struggle within the party, with both leaders vying for control ahead of the 2027 general election. Wike’s open support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid has further complicated matters, leading to calls for the removal of National Chairman Samuel Anyanwu, whom some see as aligned with Wike.
Despite the internal conflicts, the PDP remains committed to its convention, with party leaders assuring that it will proceed as planned. The convention will elect new members into the party’s National Working Committee, potentially setting the stage for a fierce contest between Makinde and Wike’s factions.
