Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, met last night and outlined fresh conditions for the party’s elective National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Wike and his allies, who have been at loggerheads with the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the party’s governors over the convention, insist that these conditions must be met to ensure a peaceful exercise.
Ahead of last month’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the party’s national headquarters, the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reportedly hesitated to sign the letter notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the convention, citing Wike’s concerns. He later signed the document following the intervention of PDP governors.
Daily Trust gathered that those present at last night’s meeting included former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), as well as National Secretary Anyanwu.
The group, which styles itself as Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, said it reviewed the state of the party and assessed issues ahead of the convention. While agreeing with the NEC’s adoption of the zoning committee’s recommendation to maintain the status quo, the group stressed that “there should be no form of micro-zoning in order to safeguard peace and stability within the party.”
They further resolved that the position of National Chairman should remain in the North-Central zone, in line with the zoning formula adopted at the 2021 convention.
The group warned: “Failure to comply with these resolutions and demands shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.”
Other key demands include:
- The urgent conduct of fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, in line with existing court judgments.
- The holding of a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress.
- Recognition of the outcome of the valid South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State, as affirmed by the courts.
- Immediate conduct of the Ekiti State Local Government Areas Congress, in compliance with the subsisting court judgment.
In its communiqué, the group noted that the PDP stands at a defining crossroads, stressing that its ability to resolve internal disputes, uphold fairness, and respect constitutional processes will determine its future relevance.
It added that unity cannot be achieved through disenfranchisement, exclusion, or disregard for judicial rulings, insisting that “a credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law.
