PDP crisis deepens as Wike-led faction plans state congresses, national convention
The Wike-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it would conduct state congresses and a national convention to elect party officials at the state and national level.
The Chairman of the factional Board of Trustees Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, made it known on Sunday during the BoT meeting held at Wike’s residence in Abuja.
Ohuabunwa had on November 7 emerged factional BoT Chairman of the party during a meeting at Wike’s residence, while Ibrahim Dansidi was appointed Secretary.
Some members of the Wike-led faction had recently been evicted from the faction chaired by Turaki Taminu, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor had in November hosted a national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, which produced Turaki Taminu as the National Chairman of the PDP.
During the Sunday BoT session by the Wike bloc, Ohuabunwa stated that there were ongoing efforts to reorganise the party’s structures in states riddled with internal crises, by constituting caretaker committees before the upcoming congresses and convention.
“Like I said, we are also making meaningful progress in reorganising affected states, including the constitution of credible caretaker committees, to prepare the ground for transparent congresses and subsequent convention process.
“These efforts are aimed at building trust, strengthening internal structures, and ensuring that our party remains a model of fairness and inclusiveness in Nigerian democratic space,” Ohuabunwa said.
In order to ensure a strict running of the party’s affairs while following the laws and established party guidelines, he said the BoT would give the factional National Working Committee under the leadership of abdulrahman Mohammed the necessary support, adding that the BoT serves as the stabilising force within the party.
“We are going to work with this NWC; we are going to encourage them, we are going to support them to ensure that the right things are done, and that things will be done in line with the law and the guidance of our great party, the PDP.
“As the constitution of our party entails, the Board of Trustees must continue to provide stability, wisdom, and moral guidance. Our responsibility is to safeguard the party’s soul, steer it away from divisive tendencies, and reinforce the values that have historically set the PDP apart as a disciplined and a democratically established institution. In this defining moment, therefore, we must rise above sentiments and act with unity of all,” he stated.
Ohuabunwa further thanked other members of the BoT for their steadfastness, while urging them to ensure unity within the party to enable the party emerge stronger.
“Our duty is clear, well stated, to consolidate the reforms already underway, deepen internal cohesion, and ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party emerges stronger, more virile, more united, and fully prepared for the leadership responsibilities ahead. I thank you all for your steadfastness, for your dedication and commitment, and your loyalty to our great Party. This is the time we should stand to be counted,” he added.
The development deepens further the complications and complexities surrounding the opposition party, as the Wike-led faction is in court currently seeking to nullify the Ibadan convention which held amidst conflicting court orders.
