The internal wrangling in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened ahead of its November 15–16 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a fresh confrontation has broken out within the National Working Committee (NWC).
DAILY GAZETTE gathered that the NWC is now sharply divided along two lines: PDP governors backing acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Wike, who has openly declared his intention to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, is said to have been issuing new conditions that further complicate reconciliation moves.
A top party source disclosed that his loyalists have boycotted recent NWC meetings, heightening tension as the convention approaches.
“Wike is deliberately frustrating the process. Each time his demands are met, he presents fresh ones. But this time, governors have decided to move ahead without him,” the source said.
The crisis took a dramatic turn on September 30 when PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State executive committee.
He said a caretaker committee had been appointed for three months, with Igwat Umoren as chairman, Harrison Ekpo as deputy chairman, and Borono Bassey as secretary.
However, in a counter-statement dated October 1, Senator Anyanwu faulted the announcement, declaring it “null and void” since no properly convened NWC meeting had sanctioned the decision.
He maintained that the Akwa Ibom executive remains intact in line with the PDP constitution, directing the chapter to continue in office.
When contacted, Anyanwu confirmed issuing the letter but declined to provide further details.
Meanwhile, Ologunagba has insisted that some PDP members are working with the APC to destabilize the party.
He vowed that such individuals would be sanctioned soon and assured that preparations for the Ibadan convention were already concluded.
As the convention date draws closer, the party faces a battle of survival, with governors daring Wike to “do his worst,” while the minister continues to project himself as a formidable force within the opposition.
