By Omeiza Ajayi
The internal storm within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strengthened on Thursday as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declared that the planned national convention set to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, is “a nullity” with no legal standing.
Speaking in Abuja during a strategic meeting with National Assembly members and key party stakeholders, Wike’s faction insisted that the convention has no lawful backing and should therefore not be recognized by any loyal member of the party.
Wike emphasized that his faction is committed to restoring peace within the PDP — but only peace grounded in equity, justice, and strict respect for the rule of law.
Court Order Clears the Air
Wike explained that a recent judgment of the Federal High Court reaffirmed the suspension of any national convention pending the determination of a substantive suit. According to him, the ruling was not an ex parte order, as some reports had claimed.
“There was no ex parte order in this matter,” he stated firmly. “All parties — including the PDP, the plaintiffs, and INEC — were present before the Federal High Court. The court simply reaffirmed its earlier judgment and adjourned for substantive hearing.”
Wike warned party members against defying the valid court order, stressing that those promoting the Ibadan convention were deliberately misleading the public.
“Anybody Can Gather, But It’s Not a Convention”
In his usual blunt style, Wike dismissed the significance of any gathering labeled a convention, saying legality — not location — makes an event valid.
“Anybody can gather in a civic centre, a palace, or a stadium. We cannot stop that,” he said. “But such a gathering does not make a valid PDP convention. The court has spoken, and we will obey. Enough is enough of impunity in this party.”
He expressed appreciation to the Minority Leader and National Assembly caucus members who recently met with him, adding that he remained open to discussions that promote lasting peace — as long as such peace does not sacrifice justice and due process.
Faction Leaders Stand Firm Behind Court Ruling
Acting National Chairman of the faction, Mohammed Abdul-Rahman, echoed Wike’s stance, insisting that the planned Ibadan convention was illegal and contemptuous of court orders. He urged party members nationwide to shun the event.
“With the members of the Working Committee and the support of the Board of Trustees, we will reach out to leaders across all 36 states to bring this party back to its rightful owners — the electorate and Nigerians at large,” Abdul-Rahman said.
He stressed that the faction was fully aligned with the Federal High Court’s decisions and would continue to operate within the bounds of the law.
BoT Throws Weight Behind Wike’s Faction
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, declared the Board’s total support for the Wike-aligned National Working Committee. He said the era of impunity and disregard for the party’s constitution was over.
“The BoT stands with the NWC in obedience to the constitution and the rule of law. The decision of the court is final, and we have agreed there will be no convention in Ibadan. Anyone proposing that is an enemy of this great party,” Ohuabunwa said.
He added that the party’s leadership is determined to steer the PDP toward recovery, discipline, and stability.
A Unified Stand Against Impunity
The meeting, attended by serving and former lawmakers, state chairmen, and other influential stakeholders, ended with a unified declaration to obey court rulings and resist what they described as attempts to hijack the party through illegal conventions and disregard for due process.
With tensions rising ahead of the cancelled Ibadan convention, PDP watchers say the coming days will determine whether the opposition party can navigate its internal battles or sink deeper into division.