THE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced plans to conduct parallel state congresses and a national convention to elect officials across party structures.
News Point Nigeria reporta that the development was confirmed on Sunday by the factional Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, during the opening session of the BoT meeting held at Wike’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Ohuabunwa revealed that the Wike-aligned bloc had already begun reorganising PDP structures in states plagued by leadership crises. This, he said, includes setting up credible caretaker committees ahead of the congresses and eventual convention, a move seen as the latest escalation in the battle for control of the opposition party.
According to him, the restructuring is aimed at “building trust, strengthening internal structures, and ensuring that the PDP remains a model of fairness and inclusiveness in the Nigerian democratic space.”
He declared that the factional BoT would fully support the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC), which the bloc recognises as the legitimate leadership of the party, despite the rejection of that position by the mainstream group.
“We are going to work with this NWC; we are going to encourage and support them to ensure that the right things are done strictly in line with the law and the guidance of our great party,” Ohuabunwa said.
He emphasised that the PDP BoT has a constitutional responsibility to act as a stabilising force, particularly during internal upheavals, and must remain committed to safeguarding the party’s values.
“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 historically set the PDP apart as a disciplined and democratic institution,” he added.
The former senator urged party elders to remain steadfast in supporting ongoing reforms within the faction and to rally members ahead of future political contests.
“Our duty is clear—to consolidate reforms underway, deepen internal cohesion, and ensure that the PDP emerges stronger, united, and prepared for leadership responsibilities ahead,” he told members.
Ohuabunwa became factional BoT Chairman on November 7, 2025, after a meeting also held at Wike’s Abuja residence, where Ibrahim Dansidi was appointed board secretary.
The Wike faction’s plan for fresh congresses and a national convention further complicates the already turbulent situation within the PDP. Last month, another bloc aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde held a separate national convention in Ibadan, where Turaki Taminu was elected National Chairman.
That convention was conducted under conflicting court orders, with one court permitting it and another issuing a restraining order at the same time.
In response, the Wike faction has taken the matter to court, seeking an order to nullify the Ibadan convention, which it insists was illegal.
The party remains divided between the Makinde-led mainstream structure and the Wike-backed faction, creating parallel leaderships at a time when the PDP is struggling to reposition ahead of key political battles in 2026 and 2027.
