Our Correspondent | Politics
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has unveiled plans to conduct state congresses and, ultimately, a national convention aimed at restructuring the party’s leadership at both state and national levels.
The chairman of the factional Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, announced the move on Sunday during the opening session of the BoT meeting held at Wike’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja. He revealed that the bloc has commenced efforts to reorganise PDP structures in states affected by internal disputes, with caretaker committees being constituted ahead of fresh congresses and the proposed convention.
According to Ohuabunwa, the reorganisation drive is intended to rebuild trust, strengthen internal party mechanisms, and restore the PDP’s identity as a party grounded in fairness and inclusiveness.
“We are making meaningful progress in reorganising affected states, including the constitution of credible caretaker committees to prepare the ground for transparent congresses and subsequent convention processes,” he said.
The factional BoT chair also reaffirmed support for the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC), describing it as the legitimate structure empowered to administer the party’s affairs in accordance with the law and the PDP constitution.
“We are going to work with this NWC; we are going to support them to ensure that the right things are done and that all actions align with the law and the guidance of our great party,” he stated.
Ohuabunwa emphasised the BoT’s constitutional role as a stabilising body, stressing that it must offer the wisdom, restraint, and moral leadership needed to navigate the party through its current turbulence.
“The Board of Trustees must continue to provide stability and moral guidance. Our responsibility is to safeguard the party’s soul, steer it away from divisive tendencies, and reinforce the values that historically set the PDP apart,” he said.
He urged BoT members to remain committed to ongoing reforms and to ensure unity ahead of forthcoming electoral contests.
“Our duty is to consolidate the reforms underway, deepen internal cohesion, and ensure the PDP emerges stronger, more united, and prepared for leadership responsibilities,” he noted.
Ohuabunwa assumed leadership of the factional BoT on 7 November 2025 following a meeting also held at Wike’s residence, where Ibrahim Dansidi was named board secretary.
The planned convention marks a significant escalation in the PDP’s internal crisis. It follows the November convention convened by a rival bloc loyal to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan, which produced Turaki Taminu as National Chairman. That convention went ahead despite conflicting court orders permitting and halting the exercise.
The Wike bloc is currently in court seeking the nullification of the Ibadan convention, setting the stage for a prolonged legal and political contest that could shape the PDP’s direction ahead of 2027.