As the weekend approaches, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself grappling with uncertainty ahead of its planned national convention. What should have been a moment of unity has instead exposed widening cracks within the party, with a recent Board of Trustees (BOT) report warning that unresolved legal disputes, factional divisions, and incomplete party structures could undermine the exercise.
The report, signed by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, Dr. Mike Oghiadomhe, and four others, reflects weeks of consultations with governors, NWC members, suspended officers, and other stakeholders. It cautioned that the convention should only proceed once legal matters are resolved and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirms its disposition, noting that multiple court orders make INEC monitoring unlikely.
Structural gaps, including inconclusive or disputed congresses in several states, were highlighted as critical issues. The BOT recommended the formation of an all-inclusive Caretaker Committee to stabilise the party, warning that a failed convention could cripple the PDP’s ability to field candidates nationwide.
Stakeholders Point Fingers
The BOT findings have intensified long-standing tensions. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike accused governors of manipulating congresses and violating zoning agreements, calling for adherence to Abuja High Court rulings. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed countered, accusing Wike of seeking to weaken the party. Suspended officers also criticised the NWC for ignoring court orders and breaching party procedures.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged the BOT to intervene urgently, warning that unresolved disputes could push first-term governors in Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara to consider leaving the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Calls for Caution Grow
At a press briefing in Abuja, PDP stakeholders Barr. George Turna, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, and Hon. Amah Abraham echoed BOT concerns. Turna warned that proceeding with a convention excluding delegates from 14 states would risk credibility. Nwachukwu cited conflicting court rulings as evidence of pre-convention ‘impunity,’ while Abraham urged full implementation of the BOT recommendations to restore order.
Convention Will Go On, Says PDP
Despite the warnings, PDP National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro insisted that the convention will proceed as scheduled. He dismissed critics as “self-styled acting chairmen” and reaffirmed that all preparations have been approved by the NEC. Woyengikuro downplayed internal disagreements as normal for a large organisation, urging members and delegates to stand firm.
“Our convention is holding, please,” he said, stressing that the party’s leadership is clear and recognised.
Uncertain Days Ahead
Even with Woyengikuro’s assurances, uncertainty lingers. The BOT report underscores that unresolved litigations, factional disputes, and potential absence of INEC oversight could affect the convention’s credibility. With political tensions rising, the PDP faces a critical juncture—either to stabilise the party or risk deepening long-standing fractures threatening its cohesion.