Convention: Wike’s camp demands ignite fresh PDP feud

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, alongside the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and other leaders, have affirmed that the National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, will be held despite the conditions set by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s camp.

Speaking on behalf of the governors in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration of the 119-member National Convention Planning Committee, chaired by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, declared that they are not cowards.

The governors, in a clear response to Wike’s camp’s Monday night statement, also vowed to take disciplinary action against those undermining the party’s interests, insisting that the PDP will not bow to arrogance and impunity, or what they described as a “faction of fools.”

In the same vein, the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, represented by Secretary Ahmed Makarfi and other party leaders, emphasised that both northern and southern leaders are free to micro-zone party positions, while stressing that interested members equally have the right to contest.

After weathering a prolonged internal crisis, the PDP scheduled its November convention to elect new members of the National Working Committee as part of efforts to reposition the party.

However, while leaders are pushing for the convention to proceed as planned, Wike and some of his allies have continued efforts to stall the exercise over disputes surrounding the South-East and South-South zonal leadership.

On Monday, members of the PDP, loyal to the FCT minister, under the banner of the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, warned that the party’s forthcoming national convention in November would be “invalid” if their resolutions are not implemented.