Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) planned appeal to the Supreme Court over its leadership as inconsequential, confirming the party’s national convention will proceed as scheduled for March 29 and 30.
Wike’s remarks follow a decision by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Executive Committee (NEC) to ratify an appeal against a recent Court of Appeal judgment. The Minister, a key figure in the PDP, stated the legal challenge would have “no effect” on the convention. “We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns and see how we can accommodate them,” Wike said, acknowledging internal grievances but prioritising party unity. He framed the convention as a step toward presenting a “unified front” for the 2027 general elections.
The inspection of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s Valodrome was part of final preparations. Wike reported arrangements are approximately 95 percent complete, with state seating assignments and the VIP section already finalised. He was accompanied by senior party figures including the Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, and the Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman.
Addressing the party’s internal cohesion, Wike highlighted a pre-agreed zoning arrangement for elective positions. He confirmed the presidency has been zoned to the South, while the national chairmanship is zoned to the North. “We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier,” he said, contrasting it with previous “unity lists” that often masked divisions.
Wike expressed confidence that the PDP, leveraging its broad membership base, would demonstrate its electoral strength in 2027. “Look at the umbrella; it is wide enough to accommodate everyone,” he remarked, using the party’s symbol.
The convention’s execution is now the immediate focus, despite the ongoing leadership dispute. The party’s caretaker committee is steering the process, aiming to resolve factional issues after the event. Wike’s public dismissal of the appeal underscores a strategic choice to prioritise logistical and political organisation over further litigation, signalling the PDP’s intent to move forward with its planned convention and long-term electoral planning.
