PDP Convention May Not Hold If Crises Persist – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, may be derailed if unresolved disputes within the party are not addressed.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike dismissed claims that his concerns were about the choice of venue. 

He stressed that the real challenge lies in lingering internal issues that could undermine the event.

“The issue of the National Convention is not the problem.

“The problem is the issues leading to the convention, and people should understand that. We are not contesting the venue. What we are saying is, if the things leading to the convention are not well taken care of, there is a likelihood it will not hold,” Woke said.

The minister also refuted speculations linking his comments to a feud with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

“Instead of reporting accurately, some people say because I’m quarrelling with Seyi, that is why I said the convention will not hold in Ibadan. The venue is not the subject matter. The subject matter is whether you have done what you are supposed to do before holding that convention,” he clarified.

Wike revealed that the party had constituted a committee to address disputes in the South-East, particularly in Ebonyi State. “Our team is meeting by 7pm today and you will hear what we have to say,” he disclosed.

He emphasized that PDP had successfully held conventions in Port Harcourt and Abuja in the past, making the venue less significant than addressing grievances.

“The party can decide to hold it in Sokoto or Borno, but before you get to the convention, have you done what you are supposed to do? If not, it may be a setback,” Wike cautioned.

Concluding, the minister said PDP must resolve issues to the satisfaction of aggrieved members to ensure a smooth convention.

“The PDP, from what I learnt, has taken some steps to see that the issues are being resolved. If they are resolved to the satisfaction of the complainants, no problem. But if not, of course, they will take action,” he warned.