The Peoples Democratic Party is set to hold its national convention in Abuja today despite disagreements among some state chapters and party stakeholders over the legitimacy of the exercise.
The event, scheduled for the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, is being organised by a faction of the party associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Some state leaders have opposed the convention, pointing to a pending case before the Supreme Court and warning that proceeding may amount to disregarding due process. Tony Aziegbemi, Edo PDP chairman and head of the forum of state chairmen, urged members to stay away and asked the electoral body to verify the list of delegates expected at the venue.
The Sokoto chapter also announced it would not attend, saying it would remain neutral in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.
However, other states have expressed readiness to participate. The Kwara PDP said it resolved after consultations to send delegates to the convention, while Kebbi officials confirmed that their delegates had been mobilised for the event. The Osun chapter also indicated its intention to take part.
About 2,500 delegates are expected at the gathering, where the party plans to ratify consensus nominees for key national positions, including the acting national chairman and acting national secretary, alongside other members of the National Working Committee as provided for in the party’s constitution.
Speaking ahead of the convention, Wike said reconciliation efforts would continue after the event, describing disagreements as normal in a large political party. He also dismissed concerns that a legal challenge linked to a rival bloc associated with Kabiru Turaki would affect the programme.
Meanwhile, another group within the party, backed by some governors and senior figures, distanced itself from the convention. A spokesman for the camp said Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and the Board of Trustees chairman Adolphus Wabara would not attend.
The divisions reflect the deepening leadership crisis within the PDP as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
