Wike’s loyalists lay out new conditions for November national convention

Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have met to propose fresh conditions for the upcoming party’s National Convention, scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Wike and his allies have been at odds with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and PDP governors over the arrangements for the convention. According to sources, the conditions set by Wike’s faction are aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly process during the elections.

Just before the conduct of the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party last month at the party headquarters, National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was said to have initially refused to sign the letter of notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over Wike’s conditions, but did so after the intervention of PDP governors.

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Daily Trust gathered that among those present at last night meeting were former Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwaunyi (Enugu), Ayo Fayose, (Ekiti), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and National Secretary, Anyanwu.

The group, which tagged itself as Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, said having met to review the state of the party and assessed the critical issues leading to the forthcoming National Convention, agreed with the zoning committee’s recommendations, which was adopted by NEC that status quo remains, but “we further, and very strongly hold that there should be no form of micro-zoning for peace and stability within the party.”

The group also said the National Chairman of the party should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention.

According to the group, it is “pertinent to caution that failure to comply with the above resolutions and demands shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.”

Other demands of the group includes a call on the National Working Committee to “urgently conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra States, in line with judgments of the courts.

“That a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress should be conducted.

“That the outcome of the valid and legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State and recognised by the court be respected.

“That the Ekiti State Local Government Areas Congress should be conducted immediately, in obedience to the subsisting court judgement.”

According to the communique, the PDP stands at a defining crossroads where its ability to reconcile internal disputes, uphold fairness, and respect constitutional processes will determine its future relevance.

They said unity cannot be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the neglect of valid judicial pronouncements, adding that “a credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law as well as inclusivity.”