The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed that the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will take place as scheduled on March 29 and 30, stating that efforts to reconcile aggrieved members will continue even after the convention.
Wike made the declaration on Friday night after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, the venue for the convention, where he expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and readiness for the high-profile political gathering.
The FCT Minister said the party was fully prepared to host about 2,500 delegates expected to attend the convention, describing the event as a crucial step in repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, necessary logistics, accreditation arrangements, and security measures had been put in place to ensure a smooth and successful convention.
Wike also addressed concerns about internal disagreements within the party, noting that while reconciliation efforts were ongoing, such disputes were normal in political organisations. He stressed that the convention would go ahead as planned and that party unity would continue to be pursued even after the gathering.
He explained that the PDP leadership remained committed to resolving disputes among members through dialogue and internal mechanisms, adding that the convention itself could serve as a platform to further strengthen unity within the party.
The minister also dismissed the appeal filed at the Supreme Court by a group loyal to Tanimu Turaki, insisting that the legal action would not affect the planned convention. He maintained that the party’s legal team was handling the matter and expressed confidence that there was no court order stopping the convention from taking place.
According to Wike, the focus of the party at this time should be on strengthening its structures, preparing for future elections, and presenting itself as a strong opposition platform capable of competing effectively in the 2027 general elections.
Political observers say the PDP convention is expected to be a significant event, as it will shape the party’s leadership structure, define its strategy, and possibly influence alliances and internal power dynamics ahead of the next election cycle.
Wike reiterated that the successful conduct of the convention would send a strong message about the party’s stability and readiness to move forward despite internal challenges. He added that the PDP remained one of the major political forces in the country and would continue to play a key role in Nigeria’s democratic process.
As preparations enter the final stage, party members and delegates from across the country are expected to converge on Abuja for the two-day convention, which many believe will be a defining moment for the party as it begins early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
