…As PDP is ready to demonstrate strength ahead of 2027 elections
Favour Ishember, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has maintained that the appeal lodged at the Supreme Court by the Tanimu Turaki-led group will not in any way disrupt the forthcoming National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), slated for March 29 and 30.
Wike stressed that the convention will proceed as scheduled, noting that while some party members may still have grievances, reconciliation efforts will continue after the convention, describing the process as ongoing and not confined to a single event.
The Minister made these remarks on Friday night after inspecting the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, which has been designated as the venue for the convention.
He further expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, stating that the PDP is poised to surprise Nigerians by showcasing its political strength in the 2027 general elections.
Reiterating his stance, Wike emphasized that the convention will go ahead as planned, while dialogue with dissatisfied members will persist afterward to address their concerns.
According to him, the PDP remains an inclusive platform capable of accommodating all interests, acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable in any large political organization..
He said the party leadership has resolved to engage aggrieved members, listen to their complaints, and work towards integrating their concerns in the overall interest of the party.
“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.
“I have always said that in any group, there will be grievances. You cannot expect that in a family of two or three people, everyone will always be satisfied let alone a party with millions of members. There will always be a few who are not happy. We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns, and see how we can accommodate them. What is most important is the overall interest of the party.”
On the issue of zoning, the Minister disclosed that positions within the party have already been distributed across different regions. He explained that the presidency has been zoned to the South, while the national chairmanship has been allocated to the North, adding that this consensus arrangement is expected to ease the process.
Wike noted that, unlike previous conventions characterized by so-called “unity lists” that often exposed internal rifts, the party is this time presenting a genuinely united front, with no factions and a shared direction.
“We have already zoned our positions. Every zone has its own slots. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North. We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier.
“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front, rather than the usual ‘unity list’ that often reflects internal divisions. There are no factions everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking.”
Speaking on the level of preparedness, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, stating that the party is nearly ready for the event.
He disclosed that about 95 percent of preparations have been completed, with final touches expected to be concluded before the convention begins.
Wike added that seating arrangements for delegates from all states have been finalized, the VIP section is fully set, and attendance is expected to be limited to no more than 2,500 delegates.
“Seating arrangements for all states have been completed, and the VIP section is ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates”, the Minister said.
Wike was joined during the inspection by key party figures, including the Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), Mohammed Abdulrahman; and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Also present were other members of the NCWC, Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, among others.
