The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) upcoming national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, slated for November 15–16, faces uncertainty as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike threatens to halt the exercise. The former Rivers State governor, now at odds with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, insists that unresolved disputes in the South-South and South-East zones could spark fresh crisis if left unaddressed.
Speaking to reporters, Wike accused the PDP leadership of impunity, warning that he would not recognize the convention until the party acknowledges Dan Orbih as South-South Vice Chairman and removes Ali Odefa as South-East Vice Chairman, citing a court order. He argued that NEC members, including himself, were not properly notified of the Ibadan convention, adding that his camp was ready to “fight to the end.”
The PDP leadership has pushed back strongly. National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, maintained that all NEC members were properly informed and INEC was duly notified. He cautioned Wike against undermining the collective interest of the party, warning that disciplinary measures could be taken if he persists.
Other leaders, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, former South-West Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso, and PDP stalwart Bode George, dismissed Wike’s threats as baseless. They emphasized that the PDP’s rebuilding process would not be derailed by one individual, stressing that the NEC’s decision on the Ibadan convention remained final.
Despite the row, Oyo State PDP Chairman Dayo Ogungbenro expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved before November. But with Wike rallying allies such as former governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, the party’s convention is shaping up to be a major test of unity for the opposition.
The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) upcoming national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, slated for November 15–16, faces uncertainty as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike threatens to halt the exercise. The former Rivers State governor, now at odds with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, insists that unresolved disputes in the South-South and South-East zones could spark fresh crisis if left unaddressed.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Wike accused the PDP leadership of impunity, warning that he would not recognize the convention until the party acknowledges Dan Orbih as South-South Vice Chairman and removes Ali Odefa as South-East Vice Chairman, citing a court order. He argued that NEC members, including himself, were not properly notified of the Ibadan convention, adding that his camp was ready to “fight to the end.”
The PDP leadership has pushed back strongly. National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, maintained that all NEC members were properly informed and INEC was duly notified. He cautioned Wike against undermining the collective interest of the party, warning that disciplinary measures could be taken if he persists.
Other leaders, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, former South-West Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso, and PDP stalwart Bode George, dismissed Wike’s threats as baseless. They emphasized that the PDP’s rebuilding process would not be derailed by one individual, stressing that the NEC’s decision on the Ibadan convention remained final.
Despite the row, Oyo State PDP Chairman Dayo Ogungbenro expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved before November. But with Wike rallying allies such as former governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, the party’s convention is shaping up to be a major test of unity for the opposition.
Wike vs PDP: Storm Brews Over Ibadan Convention
The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) upcoming national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, slated for November 15–16, faces uncertainty as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike threatens to halt the exercise. The former Rivers State governor, now at odds with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, insists that unresolved disputes in the South-South and South-East zones could spark fresh crisis if left unaddressed.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Wike accused the PDP leadership of impunity, warning that he would not recognize the convention until the party acknowledges Dan Orbih as South-South Vice Chairman and removes Ali Odefa as South-East Vice Chairman, citing a court order. He argued that NEC members, including himself, were not properly notified of the Ibadan convention, adding that his camp was ready to “fight to the end.”
The PDP leadership has pushed back strongly. National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, maintained that all NEC members were properly informed and INEC was duly notified. He cautioned Wike against undermining the collective interest of the party, warning that disciplinary measures could be taken if he persists.
Other leaders, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, former South-West Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso, and PDP stalwart Bode George, dismissed Wike’s threats as baseless. They emphasized that the PDP’s rebuilding process would not be derailed by one individual, stressing that the NEC’s decision on the Ibadan convention remained final.
Despite the row, Oyo State PDP Chairman Dayo Ogungbenro expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved before November. But with Wike rallying allies such as former governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, the party’s convention is shaping up to be a major test of unity for the opposition.