The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will deliver a surprising performance in the 2027 general elections, projecting strength despite ongoing internal challenges.
Wike also reaffirmed that the party’s National Convention, scheduled for March 29 and 30, would proceed as planned, noting that reconciliation efforts among aggrieved members would continue even after the event.
Speaking after inspecting the convention venue at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome on Friday night, the minister dismissed concerns over a Supreme Court appeal filed by a faction led by Tanimu Turaki, insisting it would not disrupt the exercise.
He emphasised that while disagreements exist within the party, they were not unusual and could be resolved through dialogue.
“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.
“I have always said that in any group, there will be grievances. You cannot expect that in a family of two or three people, everyone will always be satisfied, let alone a party with millions of members, ” he said.
“There will always be a few who are not happy. We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns, and see how we can accommodate them.
”What is most important is the overall interest of the party, ” he added.
On zoning arrangements, Wike revealed that party positions had already been distributed across regions to ensure balance and ease of the process.
“We have already zoned our positions. Every zone has its own slots. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North.
”We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier.
“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front, rather than the usual ‘unity list’ that often reflects internal divisions.
”There are no factions; everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking, ” he said.
Addressing preparations, the minister said the party was nearly ready to host the convention, with final arrangements underway.
“We are fully prepared. This visit is to assess final arrangements. As I said, we are about 95 percent ready, and by tomorrow, everything will be set.
“Seating arrangements for all states have been completed, and the VIP section is ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates.”
Wike was accompanied during the inspection by several party leaders, including former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who chairs the National Convention Planning Committee, and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa.
Also present were Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and other key stakeholders, including Rivers State political figures and party elders.
The convention is expected to bring together party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the country, as the PDP seeks to reposition itself ahead of the next electoral cycle.
