As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its upcoming national convention, internal tensions have deepened, with the camp of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike expected to meet today to decide its stance on the process.
Wike, speaking on a Channels Television programme, denied knowledge of any approved venue for the convention and rejected claims of a parallel convention being planned by his group.
“I’m a NEC member, and I have not been informed of any decision on a venue,” he said. “How can a few individuals gather and call that NEC? Until NEC properly meets, no one can say where the convention will be held.”
His remarks were in response to reports that the PDP had fixed Ibadan, Oyo State, as the venue for its convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025.
Wike dismissed the legitimacy of such reports, stating there had been no formal vote or decision by the party’s highest decision-making body.
Despite speculation that Wike’s faction is uneasy with the arrangements led by the Convention Planning Committee, the PDP has insisted that preparations are on track and inclusive.
National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, pushed back against rumours of internal sabotage or alternative conventions.
He confirmed that the planning committee, chaired by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, had already begun consultations and set up sub-committees, with full representation from all party organs and stakeholders.
“The NEC-approved convention in Ibadan remains on course,” Ologunagba said.
“We are engaging with INEC, and all key stakeholders, including the BoT, Governors’ Forum, and state chapters, are involved. Talk of a parallel convention is pure speculation, possibly a hallucination.”
Meanwhile, Wike used the same media appearance to defend President Bola Tinubu against mounting public criticism over the economy.
He acknowledged the widespread hardship but argued that the administration’s policies, though tough, were necessary for long-term stability.
Wike singled out former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and ex-Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, for what he described as “personal attacks” on Tinubu.
“There’s a difference between criticism and insults. Governance isn’t about everyone seeing the President. There are channels, and ministers are part of that process,” Wike said, alleging that Lawal’s discontent stemmed from political disappointment after not securing the vice-presidential slot in 2023.
