By Adesakin Adefemi
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has declared Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the national leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Fayose made the declaration on Sunday at the PDP national convention held at the Moshood Abiola stadium in Abuja.
Fayose, who led the Ekiti State delegation to the convention, said the state’s 88 delegates were fully represented at the event. He emphasized the importance of respecting court rulings relating to the party’s affairs, saying members must abide by judicial decisions.
The former governor described Wike as a leading figure within the PDP, adding that the minister’s position in the party was earned through his contributions. “Today, we are having our convention ably led by the national leader of our party, Nyesom Wike, and we made him so because of his contributions. He leads, and we follow,” Fayose said.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present at the event, which saw the re-election of Abdulrahman Mohammed as PDP chairman and Sam Anyanwu as secretary. The convention was marked by controversy, with rival factions vying for control of the party.
Fayose’s declaration of Wike as national leader is seen as a significant endorsement, given the former governor’s influence within the party. Wike has been at the forefront of efforts to restructure the PDP and has been credited with bringing stability to the party.
The PDP has been facing internal strife in recent months, with various factions vying for control. However, with Wike’s emergence as national leader, the party is expected to regroup and present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The INEC has recognised the Wike-backed faction of the PDP, with the electoral body publishing the updated leadership of the opposition party on its website. The development has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some expressing optimism about the party’s future.
As the PDP navigates this new development, all eyes will be on the party’s ability to unite and present a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
