Wike Rejects PDP’s Planned Ibadan Convention, Vows to Challenge Move

• Wike denies knowledge of PDP’s Ibadan convention, demands NEC approval, pledging to challenge unauthorized party decisions firmly

• He refuses to commit to PDP’s 2027 candidate, emphasizing patriotism over party loyalty amid rising internal party tensions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) plans to hold its elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, Wike stated that he was not aware of any scheduled convention for November 15 and 16, emphasising that no proper approval had been given by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

According to him, “As a NEC member, I have not been informed, and no meeting has been held. If some people say they are holding NEC without proper notice, I have every right to challenge it. Nobody can deny me that right.”

The former Rivers State governor, a key player in the PDP crisis since the 2022 presidential primary, vowed to resist what he described as “injustice and impunity.” He revealed that his political allies would be meeting on Wednesday to take a collective decision on how to respond.

Wike also insisted that the convention could not proceed unless the party first recognised the outcome of the South-South zonal congress held in Calabar, where his loyalists emerged as leaders.

When asked if he planned to hold a parallel convention or head to court, Wike replied, “Our group is meeting tomorrow. Obviously, we will not allow that injustice to prevail.”

On the 2027 elections, the FCT Minister refused to commit to supporting the PDP’s presidential candidate, despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

“I will support someone who I believe can grow Nigeria, not out of sentiment or emotion,” he said. Asked if that position amounted to anti-party activity, Wike maintained that patriotism comes first: “Being a party man does not mean I will support a person who cannot help Nigeria. Because I am in a party, should I watch the country move backwards?”

Wike’s comments highlight fresh tension within the PDP, raising uncertainty about the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.