As Nigeria's political landscape intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has presented a crucial solution to resolve the prolonged crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike's Court Order Directive
During an exclusive interview on Channels Television's 'Politics Today' program monitored by Legit.ng on Friday, November 14, the prominent PDP chieftain emphasized that the party's path to redemption lies in respecting court judgments that halted the planned 2025 national convention. Wike firmly stated that the PDP must demonstrate commitment to the rule of law if it hopes to regain political relevance.
The minister specifically referenced the federal high court in Abuja's ruling and the reconciliation committee report established by the Board of Trustees (BoT), both supporting the convention's postponement. He criticized the PDP Governors' Forum and other party leaders for disregarding due process, which he identified as the root cause of the party's current challenges.
Deepening PDP Factional Divide
The internal crisis has split the main opposition party into two distinct factions since 2022. One camp aligns with Wike, while the other supports National Chairman Umar Damagun, who maintains backing from the Board of Trustees. The Wike-led faction, operating under embattled national secretary Samuel Anyanwu, has appointed Mohammed Abdulrahman as its acting chairman after announcing the suspension of Damagun and his team.
Despite serving as a minister in President Bola Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, Wike maintains his PDP membership, creating a unique political dynamic. The factional leadership emerged from disagreements surrounding the PDP's national convention scheduled for Saturday, November 15, in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Convention Controversy and Legal Standoff
Wike's faction strongly opposes conducting the convention, arguing that the party failed to organize valid state congresses as required by the PDP constitution before convening a national convention. This procedural violation forms the basis of their legal challenge and insistence on postponement.
Meanwhile, as Wike articulated his position on national television, over 3,000 delegates gathered in Ibadan for the contentious convention that proceeded despite the court judgments and internal objections. The convention outcomes are expected to significantly influence the party's direction and potential 2027 presidential candidate selection.
In related developments, former Jigawa state governor Sule Lamido denied reports that he had withdrawn his lawsuit against the PDP, clarifying that legal challenges against the convention remain active. The deepening crisis presents significant obstacles for Nigeria's main opposition party as it prepares for crucial electoral contests in 2027.
