By Peter Omopo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , has confirmed that the national convention of the will proceed as scheduled on March 29 and 30, with about 2,500 delegates expected to attend.
Wike gave the assurance on Friday after inspecting the convention venue at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparations. He noted that efforts to reconcile aggrieved members would continue even after the convention.
The minister downplayed internal disputes and ongoing legal challenges within the party, insisting that they would not disrupt the planned gathering. He specifically dismissed an appeal filed at the Supreme Court by the faction linked to , stating that it would not affect proceedings.
According to him, the PDP remains a broad platform capable of accommodating differing views, adding that disagreements are inevitable in a large political party. He emphasised that dialogue and reconciliation would remain ongoing processes aimed at strengthening unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike also disclosed that zoning arrangements for party positions had already been concluded to ensure balance and consensus. He explained that the presidency had been zoned to the South, while the national chairmanship was allocated to the North.
On preparations, the minister said logistics were nearing completion, with seating arrangements finalised and the venue almost fully set. He added that the party expected to achieve near-total readiness before the commencement of the convention.
The inspection tour was attended by several party leaders, including , Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee; , Chairman of the Board of Trustees; , Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee; and , National Secretary.
The convention comes amid a prolonged leadership crisis that has affected the party since late 2025. Earlier disputes followed the Ibadan convention held in November, which produced a National Working Committee led by Turaki. However, a court ruling in March nullified that exercise for violating provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
Subsequently, a caretaker committee emerged, further deepening internal divisions. Attempts by rival factions to hold meetings at the party’s national secretariat previously led to unrest, prompting intervention by security agencies.
Despite these challenges, Wike expressed optimism about the party’s prospects, stating that the PDP would present a strong and united front in the next general elections.
