PDP Governors Vow To Hold Convention Despite Internal Rifts

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have declared that no one will stop the party from holding its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The governors, led by Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, spoke at the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Committee in Abuja, insisting they would not allow the party to be weakened or derailed by internal conflicts. Mohammed said the governors were fully behind the National Working Committee (NWC) and ready to defend the unity of the PDP against what he described as arrogance and impunity within the ranks.

The PDP’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, also stressed that the convention is sacrosanct. He said the party will use the event to elect new national officers who will lead it into the 2027 general elections. According to him, the PDP must show Nigerians that it remains the strongest opposition platform capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tensions within the PDP have grown in recent weeks. A group of stakeholders, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and four former governors, has demanded fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states, as well as recognition of a zonal congress held in Calabar. They also opposed micro-zoning of national offices, insisting that the North Central should produce the next national chairman. The group warned that failure to meet their demands could render the convention invalid.

The clash between Wike and the governors has been simmering since the 2023 elections and was further worsened by disputes over the national secretary’s position. Although that issue has been resolved, divisions remain over control of party structures.

Adamawa State governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who chairs the 119-member convention committee, promised to deliver a credible exercise. He urged party members to avoid unnecessary media battles and work together, assuring that all aspirants will have a fair chance to contest positions.

The chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, represented by Ahmed Makarfi, called for consensus building. He reminded members that while zoning arrangements must be respected, anyone who disagrees should be free to contest at the convention rather than inflame tensions.

Party leaders say the convention will be a decisive step toward repositioning the PDP ahead of 2027, with governors warning that they are ready to enforce discipline and prevent further divisions.