PDP holds convention as party splits deepen

The Peoples Democratic Party’s national convention scheduled for today (Sunday) in Abuja is set to hold amid deepening internal divisions, as state chairmen remain split over its legality and timing.

The convention, organised by the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has drawn opposition from several chapters, particularly those insisting that the event violates due process because a related case is still pending before the Supreme Court.

Edo State PDP Chairman and leader of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, Tony Aziegbemi, faulted the decision to proceed, warning that holding the convention while the case is unresolved amounts to a disregard for the rule of law.

He also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission to closely scrutinise the delegate list, alleging that impostors were being presented as legitimate representatives.

In Sokoto State, the party similarly announced a boycott, with its Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sanyinawal, stating that the chapter would remain neutral and would not attend the Abuja convention, just as it avoided the Ibadan gathering.

However, some chapters have elected to participate. The Kwara State Chairman, Isa Bawa, said stakeholders met and resolved to send delegates, adding that the convention’s outcome would guide the state’s next steps in the ongoing leadership crisis.

Kebbi State PDP also confirmed full participation, with its secretary, Abubakar Kalgo, saying delegates had already been mobilised, though he declined to state whether the chapter aligned with any faction. Osun State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, likewise said he would be attending.

About 2,500 delegates are expected at the event, where the party will affirm Acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and 17 others as members of the National Working Committee.

The Wike-backed faction had earlier adopted a consensus method, zoning the presidency to the South and the national chairmanship to the North.

Wike, after inspecting the venue, said reconciliation efforts would continue after the convention, describing internal disagreements as normal in a large political party and insisting the Supreme Court appeal would not affect the process.

He also expressed optimism about the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

But the crisis took a new dimension as key stakeholders aligned with the Turaki-led camp, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and the Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, distanced themselves from the event.

Their spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, said governors, BoT members, NEC members and others in the bloc would not attend the convention.