Nyesom Wike, the minister of the federal capital territory has reaffirmed that the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party will proceed as scheduled, despite internal disputes and ongoing legal challenges.
Wike disclosed that about 2,500 delegates are expected at the two-day convention slated for March 29 and 30 in Abuja, as the party intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, the venue for the exercise, the minister expressed satisfaction with the level of readiness, noting that arrangements were nearing completion.
He downplayed the significance of an appeal filed at the Supreme Court by a faction loyal to Tanimu Turaki, insisting it would not disrupt the convention.
Wike said, “there is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.
“I have always said that in any group, there will be grievances. You cannot expect everyone in a family of two or three people to be always satisfied, let alone a party with millions of members. There will always be a few who are not happy.
“We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns, and see how we can accommodate them. What is most important is the overall interest of the party.”
He stressed that reconciliation within the party would continue beyond the convention, describing it as a continuous process aimed at strengthening unity.
On zoning, Wike confirmed that key positions had already been allocated across regions to ensure balance, with the presidency zoned to the South and the chairmanship to the North.
He added, “we have already zoned our positions. Every zone has its own slots. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North. We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier.
“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front, rather than the usual ‘unity list’ that often reflects internal divisions. There are no factions; everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking.”
Providing further updates on logistics, the minister added, “We are fully prepared. This visit is to assess final arrangements. As I said, we expect to reach about 95 per cent by tomorrow, and everything will be set.
“Seating arrangements for all states have been completed, and the VIP section is ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates.”
The planned convention comes amid a protracted leadership crisis within the party, following the nullification of an earlier convention and the emergence of rival factions laying claim to its leadership structure.