Politics

2027 showdown: Wike-Makinde rift threatens high-stakes PDP convention

Published

2 months ago

August 21, 2025

There are strong indications that the November national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State, may be derailed following a threat by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to halt the event.

Wike’s opposition to the convention is believed to be the result of his rift with his erstwhile ally, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and other unresolved issues in the party.

Ahead of the elective convention slated for November 16, the PDP has, however, issued a stern warning to the minister over his moves against the party’s plans.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in an interview with selected journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, cautioned that decisive action under the party’s constitution would be taken against him should he continue to undermine the collective interests of the party.

PDP National Executive Committee members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, accused Wike of overstepping his bounds, vowing to resist his moves.

They stressed that the party was undergoing a rebuilding process and would strengthen its structure through the Ibadan convention, insisting that no individual could obstruct internal party activities, particularly with the Independent National Electoral Commission already involved.

The PDP only just emerged from months of internal crisis that saw the defection of key figures, including its 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his running mate and former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and other prominent leaders to the APC and the newly formed African Democratic Congress.

In a bid to restructure and reposition itself, the party, during its 101st NEC meeting on July 24, resolved to convene a National Elective Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, where 19 new members will be elected into the National Working Committee.

Dissatisfied with the South-South Caretaker Committee constituted by the PDP NWC and the retention of Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South East), Wike vowed that his camp would resist the party’s decision.

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV programme, ‘Politics Today,’ on Tuesday night, the former Rivers State governor cautioned that the party’s crisis might appear resolved for now, fresh crisis could erupt if the PDP refused to acknowledge the zonal congress that elected Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman, South-South.

He said, “Well, it is over for now. There are a few things remaining and I have told them that they must do it. Our congress was held in Calabar, and there’s nothing anybody can tell us. If they want to have another round of crisis, so be it. In that congress, Chief Dan Orbih emerged as the National Vice Chairman. They never wanted the congress to hold but congress was held.

“The so-called acting national chairman of the party wrote a letter to INEC after congress was held that the congress has been postponed. There is no two ways about it. The National Vice Chairman of PDP South-South is Chief Dan Orbih. If they don’t agree, that’s another round of crisis,” he threatened.

Wike also argued that the party must deal with its South-East zonal chairman, Ali Odefa, who had been sacked from the party by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The south-east vice chairman, Ali Odefa, is no longer a member of the party. These are the things I tell people. What I don’t like is impunity. And for someone like me, we will not condone it. I will not allow it. We will fight it except they correct it.’’

Wike added that the national convention being put together by the party might end up in crisis if the anomalies in the PDP were not corrected.

“They said that they are going for their convention in November. I am not part of it until they have corrected it. Let us wait, there is still time for them to resolve it. Before you talk about the convention, resolve the matter. If the matter is not resolved, there will be a crisis.”

He dismissed reports suggesting that a parallel convention was being plotted, insisting that no formal decision had been taken by the party’s NEC.

“I am not aware that any convention would be held in Ibadan. As a NEC member, nobody has informed me, and no such decision has been voted on by NEC. If a few people gather to make pronouncements, that cannot pass for NEC,” Wike said.

He pledged that his group would continue to fight against injustice within the PDP.

The FCT Minister stated, “I am not aware of any convention. If notice of a meeting is not given to members of the NEC, we have the right to challenge it, and nobody can deny me that right.”

When questioned about whether he would take the matter to court, Wike responded, “Our group is meeting tomorrow, and obviously, I don’t think we will allow injustice to prevail. I can assure you that we will not allow it. Nobody serves the interests of the PDP more than I do. None of them.”

Our correspondents in Abuja reported that former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and other allies of Wike were spotted together on Tuesday.

Although the Wike group’s meeting had not yet been held as of press time, sources close to the minister indicated that it would take place soon, and their resolution would be announced publicly.

A source in the minister’s camp, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the issue, told The PUNCH that Wike’s group was prepared to fight till the end.

He stated, “We will meet later today (Wednesday). What I can assure you is that Wike and some of us will fight to the end. The injustice in the South-South and South-East will not stand.

“If the party is not ready to correct this, we will do everything legally possible to address it. But if they want the convention to hold, they must act; otherwise, they will be surprised.”

Reacting, Ologunagba, who countered Wike, said all NEC members were duly informed, and insisted that the National Elective Convention would hold as scheduled.

He stated, “Our NEC and other meetings have been convened properly. We follow the due process. INEC has been duly informed, as expected, of the meetings of the NEC relating to those issues. And in any event, I do not intend to join issues with anybody on this matter.

“The PDP constitution is there, we follow through the constitution. Our preparation is going on. The NEC, which is the second-highest decision-making body of this party, has fixed the venue for the national convention NEC selected the venue, and the venue is Ibadan, Oyo State, on the 15th and 16th of November 2025.

“That national convention will hold on the 15th and 16th of November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Like I referenced earlier, the train moving towards the national convention has moved, and it’s arriving at its destination because right now all arrangements and all committees are working seamlessly towards a successful national convention at Ibadan.

“In any event, we have documents showing that every relevant person, including Minister Wike, was referenced, and evidence showed that he actually received a letter duly acknowledged and signed for from his office. If there are challenges within his office, we cannot be held accountable for that. In addition to that personalised letter, there was a publication in the national dailies. So, there’s adequate notice: members have approved it, NEC approved it, secretaries approved it, all organs have approved it, and we’re fine, we’re going, we’re coasting on to the national convention in Ibadan.”

In response to a question on how the PDP would handle Wike and his group’s decision to oppose the party’s plan, Ologunagba said that the party would take “necessary steps.”

The PDP Publicity secretary added, “Well, again, I do know that this party has done everything that is within the law, following the constitution, and we will continue to follow the constitution. If there are actions inconsistent with that constitution, the necessary actions will kick in. We’ve said that before, and we mean every word we have said as a party.

“Look, a party is a voluntary thing; there’s free entry and free exit. When you choose to leave, you can leave, but it will be irreconcilable for you, or any member, to stay within a party that has rules and not follow those rules. So, for us, we are not joining issues with anybody. We are not going to be raising issues with anybody. 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.

“We are focused, laser-focused, on what to do in the interest of democracy, in the interest of our party. But we have said it again, and we’ll say it again: there will be zero tolerance for disloyalty in our great party. PDP is a party of process, a party of rule and law. There are established ways of taking action and seeking redress that are consistent with the constitution, we will insist on that constitutional provision and do what is necessary and appropriate.”

Also, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Osadolor, warned Wike’s group, reminding them that the Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that internal party matters are non-justiciable.

He stated, “First of all, we are all aware that the convention has not been held. We are also aware that NEC held, and INEC participated in the last NEC, where resolutions on the convention that is going to hold in Ibadan on November 15 and 16 were taken, and they were duly notified.

“Again, this issue of going to court, like they are threatening, I wonder what has informed all of that. But again, I am aware, everybody’s aware, the Supreme Court made a pronouncement that internal dealings and affairs of political parties are not justiciable. It was a landmark pronouncement during the case of Anyanwu versus the Southeast Leaders, and the LP case versus Abure. And all of these two judgments came in the earlier part and the middle part of this year.

“I wonder which court will now entertain the briefs on issues that border on the internal affairs of political parties, having heard from the Apex Court. Again, I think the FCT Minister is overreaching himself by wanting to put himself first and above the collective interests of the political party he claims to belong to.

“And, therefore, I will urge him to take a second thought and not put himself on the wrong side of history. Because the PDP is rebuilding currently, and efforts so far have shown that Nigerians are appreciating the rebuilding that is currently going on within the party.”

Osadolor called on all party members to support the PDP’s rebuilding efforts, stressing that no single individual can prevent the party from carrying out its plans.

The NEC member stated, “Therefore, any party member should not be seen to be derailing the progress that the party has made post the defections of some adventurous governors and senators.

“So, I want to also use this medium to tell you, Nigerians, the PDP will remain committed to its programs, and it remains undeterred in having a national convention that will usher in the next set of national committee members to pilot the affairs of the party.

“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.”

Another NEC member, Olafeso, on his part, vowed that Wike’s attempts to undermine the PDP would be resisted.

He stated, “In the final analysis, it’s obvious that Wike plans to destroy our party, and nobody will allow that for him. He’s heading for the final battle, and we’re ready for him. As far as we are concerned, we followed all the due processes to come this far.

“And he, and any other person on this planet, cannot stop us. Sometimes the arrogance of power will make them look as if everything is possible. The lawlessness that he’s exhibiting is quite unfortunate because the truth is that we are guided by a constitution.

“And that just stipulates how to move forward. We have to manage ourselves. We have followed the constitution all through. We are waiting for them to go to court. We’ll meet them there.”

Also, a former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has described the threat of Wike to stop the party’s convention slated for Ibadan in November as a mere noise.

The PDP chieftain said the decision of the NEC of the party is superior to the personal craving of any individual, no matter how powerful.

He said, “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. PDP is not like the All Progressives Congress, which is owned by one person. It is the decision of the NEC authority that is taking us to a national convention.

“I will advise my political son (Wike) to just follow the rules. Otherwise, if he goes beyond that, the party has its own laws. Wike cannot dictate to people like me and many other oldies who are still fully in PDP. I don’t know why he said that (threat to scuttle the Ibadan convention). I am not happy that he said that.

“The party will take appropriate action. We have a NEC meeting coming up on Monday. I will support the procedures and the rules as stated in our constitution. No individual can change the rules, no matter what. Ibadan is the venue of our convention, and Ibadan we will go.”

Attempts to reach the PDP National Secretary, Anyanwu, a member of Wike’s camp, for a reaction were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, stated that the party’s leaders would resolve the issues bedeviling the party ahead of the November convention.

Ogungbenro said, “Well, I think I read it (Wike’s threat) in the newspaper today (Wednesday), I just laughed! It’s a sheer political statement, nothing less, nothing more. Because he is somebody I respect so much, whom my Governor, Seyi Makinde, worked, and stood for and by extension, the PDP in the state.

“He (Wike) should know that we supported him wholeheartedly, but that’s politics for you. So, let’s wait and see. Everything is politics, and our leaders will resolve it, no matter what happens,” he stated.

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Post Views: 663

Politics

Wike to PDP govs: Your actions will bury party

Published

5 minutes ago

October 25, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused the governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party of running the party with arrogance and impunity.

Wike warned that the governors’ actions and disregard for due process could lead to the total collapse of the party.

The FCT minister spoke on Friday during the October edition of his monthly media chat in Abuja.

“The way these present governors are going, they will bury this party. I’m the FCT Minister, for Christ’s sake—forget about whatever you think. Are you telling me that, as it is today, because I’m not a governor, you will go and hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting, exclude me, and then expect to survive? Assuming I’m not the FCT Minister, by the role that I have played in the PDP till now, simply because I’m not a governor, I cannot be consulted in making decisions of the party? Certainly not!

“Two or three people cannot go and sit somewhere, make a decision, and then tell me that because they are governors, I should follow such a decision,” he stated.

He described the party’s national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, as illegal.

Wike insisted that he would not attend any convention that fails to comply with the party’s constitutional procedures, saying his attendance would amount to endorsing illegality.

In the lead-up to the national convention, the PDP has been engulfed in tension as rival factions clash over control of its leadership structure.

Last week, the party’s chairman in Imo State, Austin Nwachukwu; his Abia State counterpart, Abraham Nnanna; and the South-South Zonal Secretary, George Turnah, filed a suit at a Federal High Court seeking to halt preparations for the convention until a substantive case before the court is resolved.

For more than a year, the PDP has been mired in a series of internal crises, with governors elected on its platform and Wike’s loyalists locked in a fierce struggle over control of the party machinery.

Also, the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, a known Wike loyalist, last week petitioned the Department of State Services, the Inspector General of Police, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging forgery of his signature on communications related to the upcoming convention.

Speaking on the internal crisis rocking the party at the media chat, Wike condemned what he described as the sidelining of key stakeholders in major party decisions, including preparations for the convention.

According to him, attempts by a few governors to dominate the party and control the outcome of the convention without due process were illegal and detrimental to the party’s unity.

He said the conduct of some governors was pushing the party toward self-destruction, stressing that the ruling All Progressives Congress was not responsible for the party’s woes.

Wike said, “You (governors) go and take a decision, and then you sideline certain people. What do you expect to have? You will have a faction. Is that not embarrassing? Why are you not following due process in holding a national convention?

“I have said it, and I will continue to say it: the moment you think that you can sideline certain people and nothing will happen, you cause a major crisis in the party.

“If you do the right thing, would anybody challenge the convention? People think they are too smart. You have not done your congresses for those who will participate in that convention. All you are interested in is, ‘Let’s go and do the convention.’ You want to deny so many states the opportunity to participate in the convention, and we say you cannot do that.”

When asked if he would attend the convention, Wike said, “If a proper convention is to be held, why won’t I go? But I won’t go to a convention I know is filled with illegalities. How do you expect me to attend a convention that I know, by law, is not a valid convention?”

Wike also faulted the decision-making process within the PDP, accusing the party’s governors of excluding other influential members and arrogating powers to themselves.

“When you make a fundamental mistake by arrogating powers to yourself, of course, you will suffer the effect.

Post Views: 9

Politics

Wike says PDP may fall apart because governors sideline him

Published

13 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has slammed governors of the Peoples Democratic Party for sidelining him in major party decisions, warning that such exclusionary practices could threaten the party’s survival.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike expressed frustration over being left out of key consultations despite his long-standing influence and role within the PDP.

He said, “Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party.”

The minister questioned why his exclusion was justified simply because he no longer holds a governorship position.

“I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he queried.

He added, “Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”

Wike further criticised the notion that internal crises could be blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the PDP’s problems were self-inflicted.

“All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it the APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?” he queried.

Speaking on the party’s planned national convention, Wike said the leadership had failed to complete necessary congresses and other key processes, which he claimed were stalling progress.

“If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.

The PDP has, in recent months, faced internal crises and a wave of defections involving top members such as Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno. The party is also battling multiple legal suits over its forthcoming convention.

Post Views: 48

Politics

PICTURES: Protest rocks APC headquarters over Kayode Ojo’s Ekiti primary exclusion

Published

13 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

A protest erupted at the All Progressives Congress National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday, as party members from Ekiti State voiced outrage over the exclusion of Kayode Ojo from the upcoming governorship primary.

The APC National Working Committee had, a few weeks ago, disqualified Ojo from participating in the October 27 primary in Ekiti State, effectively clearing the path for the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to emerge as the consensus candidate.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the Ekiti State governorship election for July 20, 2026.

The protesters, mainly women, chanted slogans such as “Ekiti says No to Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” “No to Consensus,” and “Yes to Kayode Ojo.”

They carried placards with inscriptions including “We Say No to Kayode Ojo’s Disqualification,” “We Don’t Want Consensus,” “Ekiti Women Reject BAO,” “We Reject BAO,” and “APC Must Let Ekiti People Choose Their Candidate.”

Subsequently, in a statement issued on October 14 by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC announced that it had adopted a consensus candidate for the primary following the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.

Leader of the protesters, Abereniola Mercy, addressing the press in Abuja on Friday during a protest against the disqualification of Kayode Ojo from the forthcoming APC Ekiti governorship primary.
Photo Credit: Abdulrahman Zakariyau

On behalf of the protesters, Abereniola Mercy expressed that the people of Ekiti believe Ojo is the best candidate for the governorship position.

She stated, “We have gathered here today because the people of Ekiti State firmly believe that Kayode Ojo is the right man to lead us as our next governor. Across towns and communities, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination among our people. They are not only ready to vote for him but are also prepared to work tirelessly to ensure his victory in the forthcoming election.

“Our presence here is to draw the attention of the party leadership to the challenges and frustrations we are experiencing in Ekiti State. We reject Ojo’s disqualification and demand his reinstatement to enable him to participate in the APC primary.We want them to understand that the people have made their choice, and that choice is Kayode Ojo. He is a man of integrity, humility, and competence someone who genuinely cares about the development of our state and the welfare of its citizens.

“We are appealing to our great party not to impose any consensus arrangement on us. What we desire is a fair, transparent, and credible primary election where every delegate will have the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidate. Consensus should not be forced upon the people when they are united in their choice.

“Therefore, we call on the national leadership of our party to respect the democratic will of Ekiti people. Give us the chance to decide through the ballot, because we are fully ready to stand behind Kayode Ojo as our next governor in 2026.”