PDP Will Reconcile Aggrieved Members After Convention, Says Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party remains open to resolving disputes with aggrieved members, but only after its National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

Wike made this known while dismissing legal challenges raised by a faction linked to Tanimu Turaki, insisting that internal reconciliation would be addressed at the appropriate time.

Speaking after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, the venue for the convention, Wike emphasised that the PDP is large enough to accommodate differing views. He acknowledged that disagreements are inevitable in a party with millions of members but maintained that unity remains the ultimate goal.

According to him, party leaders have already agreed to engage dissatisfied members after the convention, with a focus on understanding their concerns and finding common ground in the overall interest of the party.

Wike also revealed that the party has concluded its zoning arrangement ahead of the convention. Under the agreed structure, the presidential ticket has been zoned to the South, while the national chairmanship position has been allocated to the North. He expressed confidence that this consensus would ensure a smooth leadership transition and reduce internal friction.

The minister was accompanied during the inspection by key party figures, including Okezie Ikpeazu, Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee; Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Mohammed Abdulrahman, head of the National Caretaker Working Committee.

Expressing satisfaction with preparations, Wike stated that the party was about 95 percent ready for the event. He added that seating arrangements for delegates and VIPs had been finalised, with about 2,500 delegates expected to attend.

He concluded by assuring members that the convention would present a united front, marking a departure from past internal divisions and reinforcing the party’s readiness for future political contests.