Wike’s Faction Warns PDP Members to Boycott Ibadan Convention Over Court Ruling
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned members nationwide to avoid participating in the upcoming national convention scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to reports from Vanguard, the Wike-led bloc insists that a recent court order has rendered the planned gathering illegitimate. The warning comes on the heels of a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, which resulted in a ruling that the faction interprets as nullifying the convention’s legal standing.
Speaking on the matter, the faction’s Acting National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said the Ibadan event cannot proceed in good faith until the party resolves its internal disputes and clarifies its leadership structure.
“Well, I’ve told you before — what they are doing in Ibadan is just an early Christmas party. But even that early Christmas party is not going to hold,” Osadolor remarked, referencing the ruling secured earlier that day.
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He added, “I’m sure you are aware of the court pronouncements from the suit filed by former governor Sule Lamido earlier today. That has also shown that the so-called Christmas party is not even properly constituted or organized.”
The Wike faction maintains that the party must respect the latest judicial directive before proceeding with any national convention. It further cautioned members not to risk traveling long distances or spending money on an event that “lacks legal and organizational foundation.”
The warning has divided opinion among PDP members and political observers. While Wike’s loyalists argue that the court’s decision must be obeyed to maintain legal credibility, the faction supporting the current party leadership — including governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed — insists that preparations for the Ibadan convention will continue as planned.
Critics of Wike’s approach claim his repeated confrontations with the PDP leadership are part of a broader strategy to control the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some political analysts suggest that Wike aims to consolidate power within the PDP structure and position himself as a dominant force for the 2031 presidential race.
Online reactions reflect deep divisions within the party. Supporters of the main faction argue that Wike’s actions are designed to destabilize the PDP from within, possibly in alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Others, however, view his stance as a legitimate pushback against what they call “illegitimate decision-making” by the party’s top leadership.
Observers say the dispute could determine the PDP’s viability as a national opposition platform ahead of future elections. With financial constraints, leadership disputes, and competing loyalties threatening cohesion, many insiders fear that the party’s long-standing internal rifts could lead to a full split.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding whether the court order affects the PDP’s plans for the Ibadan convention. However, preparations at the venue reportedly continue, with party officials insisting that the event remains on schedule.
Political analysts note that this development underscores a deeper issue within Nigeria’s party system — the recurring influence of personality-driven politics over institutional stability. Whether Wike’s camp ultimately succeeds in halting the convention or not, the internal battle has once again placed the PDP’s internal fragility in the national spotlight.