Tensions within Nigeria’s opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have escalated ahead of its November National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. Two powerful factions are now openly challenging each other over the future direction of the party.
The camp led by Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, held a late-night strategy meeting in Abuja where it issued a six-point demand to the party’s National Working Committee. The group, which includes former governors Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, insisted that congresses must be held in line with court rulings and that the chairmanship position should remain in the North Central zone. They also warned that failure to meet these demands would make the convention illegitimate.
In response, PDP leaders pushed back firmly during the inauguration of the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee. Party Chairman Umar Damagum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Convention Chairman Ahmadu Fintiri, and PDP Board of Trustees representatives all rejected what they described as attempts to blackmail or hijack the party. They emphasized that the PDP will not bow to internal or external pressure.
Bala Mohammed declared that PDP governors would not allow the party to be dragged into self-destruction, stressing that accommodation does not mean weakness. Damagum insisted that the PDP remains strong, united, and determined to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, accusing the APC of fueling internal sabotage to destabilize the opposition.
Former Kaduna governor Ahmed Makarfi, representing the PDP’s Board of Trustees, also reminded members that democracy is about the will of the majority, not total consensus. Adamawa State Governor and convention committee chair, Ahmadu Fintiri, pledged that no threats or distractions would derail the convention. He encouraged aspirants to contest positions fairly through the delegates’ votes instead of pushing for internal shortcuts.
Meanwhile, Wike’s group maintained its stance, warning that inclusivity and fairness must guide the PDP if it is to remain a credible alternative for Nigerians. In a communiqué signed by Samuel Ortom, they accused the party of risking deeper division if court rulings and fair representation are ignored. They argued that unity can only be built on transparency and justice, not exclusion.
The battle for control of the PDP ahead of the convention underscores a defining moment for the party. While leaders insist on discipline and majority rule, Wike and his allies demand restructuring to protect equity and fairness. Both sides appear unwilling to back down, raising questions over how the PDP will navigate this critical phase.
Summary:
The PDP is facing an intense internal crisis as Nyesom Wike’s camp issues a six-point ultimatum ahead of the November convention. Party leaders have dismissed the demands, vowing to maintain discipline and unity. With both camps digging in, the convention is shaping up to be a major test of PDP’s survival as Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
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