Mar 18 • 02:09 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Wike-backed PDP consolidates control ahead of convention

A faction of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party, loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, is solidifying its hold by conducting state congresses ahead of the national convention.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria is witnessing a consolidation of power by a faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This faction held several state congresses in states including Plateau, Ebonyi, and Lagos as part of its preparations for the upcoming national convention scheduled for March 29 in Abuja. The faction's actions come after a Court of Appeal ruling that nullified a previous convention in Ibadan, which produced Tanimu Turaki as the national chairman.

The Wike-backed faction has been proactive in establishing control. The recent elections of state executives are a significant step toward solidifying their leadership ahead of the convention. In various states, including Bayelsa, Oyo, and Ekiti, the faction has successfully appointed party executives, indicating an organized effort to strengthen their presence within the party across Nigeria. With these moves, they aim to ensure a favorable outcome at the upcoming national event.

As the March 29 convention approaches, the dynamics within the PDP could have significant implications for the party's future direction and leadership. The ongoing factionalism reflects broader tensions within the PDP, especially in response to the recent judicial decisions that have reshaped the party's leadership landscape. The developments are crucial not only for those directly involved but also for Nigeria's political landscape as the PDP positions itself for the next electoral cycle.

📡 Similar Coverage