By Adesakin Adefemi
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has inaugurated a national convention committee, marking a significant step towards the party’s national convention. The inauguration was seen as a major development in the party’s efforts to resolve its internal conflicts and prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The inauguration was attended by prominent PDP members, including Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia state, and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central. Ikpeazu described the convention as a “moment of truth” and an opportunity for the party to rebuild and restore confidence. He noted that the party had been plagued by internal disagreements and legal battles, but expressed optimism that the convention would mark a new beginning for the PDP.
Ikpeazu urged stakeholders to support the convention process, saying the party’s mission is to deliver a “smooth, transparent, and widely accepted convention” that will produce a credible national working committee. He emphasized the need for the party to put its house in order and present a united front to the electorate.
The former governor also called for reconciliation within the party, saying the PDP needs “honest reconciliation, rooted in truth, driven by sincerity, and sustained by mutual respect”. He noted that the party had endured internal disagreements and legal battles that tested its unity, but urged members to put the past behind them and work towards a common goal.
Akpoti-Uduaghan echoed Ikpeazu’s call for reconciliation, appealing to former PDP senators who defected during the party’s leadership crisis to return. She said several senators cited the leadership crisis as their reason for leaving the party, but noted that it was time for healing and rebuilding. “It’s not greener on the other side,” she said, urging former members to return to the PDP.
The senator also commended the appellate court’s affirmation of the national caretaker working committee, saying it offers the party a rare opportunity to rebuild and reaffirm due process. She noted that the court’s decision had given the party a clean slate, and urged members to take advantage of it.
The PDP has been facing internal divisions, with some members aligning themselves with different factions. The inauguration of the convention committee is seen as a significant development in the party’s efforts to resolve its internal conflicts. The party’s national convention is scheduled to hold on March 29-30, and stakeholders are expecting a smooth and transparent process that will produce a credible leadership.
The PDP’s efforts to reconcile and rebuild are seen as crucial to its chances of winning the 2027 general elections. The party has been struggling to regain its footing after a series of defections and internal conflicts. However, with the inauguration of the convention committee, there is renewed hope that the party can put its house in order and present a strong challenge to the ruling party in the next elections.
The convention is expected to be a critical moment for the PDP, as it will determine the party’s leadership and set the tone for its campaign in the 2027 general elections. The party’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts and present a united front will be crucial to its chances of success.
