A factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, has downplayed a gathering of politicians in Ibadan, describing it as a social end-of-year event among friends. This comes after his reported expulsion from the party, which he deemed illegitimate and a product of an unauthorized gathering.

Ohuabunwa, in a statement, rejected a meeting announced to be held at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, insisting that only the scheduled Board of Trustees meeting and the National Executive Committee session would proceed as planned. The Abia Senator, an ally of Minister Nyesom Wike, also dismissed the recently concluded National Elective Convention in Ibadan as inconsequential.

Ohuabunwa, a founding father and current chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, questioned the legitimacy of his expulsion, emphasizing that he was present at the 1998 meeting where the PDP was conceived by notable statesmen. He urged party members to remain calm, citing pending court rulings, including Federal High Court orders barring the party from holding any convention, which are awaiting determination at the Court of Appeal.

The senator emphasized the importance of following the law and awaiting the court’s decisions, while also embracing reconciliation and unity within the party. With the party’s internal conflicts and court cases ongoing, Ohuabunwa’s statement reflects the divisions within the PDP. The scheduled Board of Trustees meeting and National Executive Committee session on Tuesday are expected to address the party’s internal issues and chart a way forward.

The PDP has been embroiled in internal conflicts, with various factions and interest groups vying for control. The recent convention and Ohuabunwa’s expulsion have further exacerbated the divisions, raising concerns about the party’s unity and ability to challenge the ruling party in future elections. As the party navigates these challenges, the outcome of the pending court cases and the decisions made at the upcoming meetings will be crucial in determining the PDP’s future direction.