By John Umeh
With just weeks to go before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holds its highly anticipated National Elective Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, fresh divisions have erupted within the party, threatening the smooth conduct of the exercise.
The camp loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday disowned the Southern Zoning Consultative meeting convened in Lagos, dismissing its resolutions as illegal and unrepresentative of the wider PDP family across Southern Nigeria.
Wike’s Allies Dismiss Lagos Parley
In a strongly worded statement signed by chairmen of the PDP in Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States, alongside National Assembly members and other party leaders, Wike’s camp accused the zoning committee of sidelining key stakeholders in the South-East and South-South.
The group condemned the Lagos gathering—led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri—as “Nicodemous” and “exclusionary,” warning that any resolutions reached would not be recognised. They further claimed that the parley was convened to advance the “selfish ambitions” of a few individuals at the expense of unity.
Makinde, Diri Push Back
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, dismissed the objections, stressing that the Lagos meeting was part of a wider consultation process designed to strengthen the party ahead of the Ibadan convention.
Makinde maintained that the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) would have the final say on zoning when it convenes on Monday, adding that party unity, rather than personal ambition, should guide all discussions.
“When people go into the gutters, I will not follow them,” he said, while assuring that the PDP remained a strong alternative for Nigerians ahead of 2027.
PDP Governors Move to Zamfara
Meanwhile, a source within the PDP National Working Committee confirmed that the PDP Governors’ Forum would meet in Zamfara State this weekend to harmonise positions and defuse rising tensions. The governors are expected to arrive in Gusau on Friday, ahead of crucial deliberations on Saturday.
According to the source, the governors are determined to resolve lingering disputes and ensure that the November 15–16 convention in Ibadan proceeds as planned. “Our leaders are aware of what is at stake. They will explore political solutions but also won’t shy away from firm decisions if necessary,” the source noted.
Wike Signals Shift Towards Tinubu
Amid the internal crisis, Minister Wike appeared to widen the cracks within the PDP by openly declaring support for politicians aligned with President Bola Tinubu. Speaking at a water project flag-off in Karu, the FCT Minister praised former Senator Philip Aduda and AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu, promising his full backing because of their ties to the Tinubu administration.
“Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him,” Wike declared, further fuelling speculation about his loyalties ahead of the PDP’s convention.
Outlook
As zoning debates intensify and rival camps dig in, the PDP faces one of its most critical tests in years. With the Ibadan convention looming, the party’s ability to manage its internal fractures may determine not only its organisational strength but also its chances of mounting a credible challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
