The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has raised concerns that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not be able to hold its scheduled National Convention in November if ongoing internal disputes are not resolved.
Wike made the remarks on Monday during his monthly media chat, stressing that the real issue is not the choice of Ibadan, Oyo State, as the venue, but unresolved crises within the party.
According to the former Rivers State governor, the PDP must first address key grievances before proceeding with the convention.
“The issue of the National Convention is not the problem; the problem is the issues leading to the convention. If they are not well handled, there is a likelihood that the convention will not hold,” Wike cautioned.
He explained that a committee has already been set up to handle matters concerning the Southeast and Ebonyi State chapters of the party.
Wike dismissed claims that his remarks were linked to a rift with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, or opposition to Ibadan as the host city.
“The venue is not the subject matter. What we are saying is, before you get to the convention, have you done what you are supposed to do? If not, it may become a setback,” he stressed.
He noted that PDP has previously held conventions in Port Harcourt, Abuja, and other locations, underscoring that the venue is secondary to resolving underlying disputes.
The minister maintained that the party risks a major setback if unresolved issues are ignored.
“From what I learnt, the PDP has taken steps to resolve some of the matters. If resolved to the satisfaction of the complainants, no problem. But if not, of course, they will take action,” he warned.
Wike’s comments come amid growing speculation about cracks within the PDP ahead of its highly anticipated national convention.
