The tension inside the Peoples Democratic Party grew louder on Saturday as PDP governors warned Wike ahead of convention preparations set for November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The warning was contained in a communiqué released after the governors’ meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State.
The governors declared full support for the resolutions of the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC), which endorsed the upcoming convention. They said the party must not allow distractions to derail its focus, insisting that unity is key to rescuing Nigeria from the ruling APC.
Wike’s Grievances
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has openly challenged the party leadership over internal disputes. On Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike rejected the South-South Caretaker Committee and insisted that his ally, Chief Dan Orbih, remains the rightful National Vice Chairman (South-South).
He said, “Our congress was held in Calabar, and there’s nothing anybody can tell us. If they want to have another round of crisis, so be it. In that congress, Chief Dan Orbih emerged as the National Vice Chairman. They never wanted the congress to be held, but congress was held.”
Wike also dismissed the actions of the acting national chairman, who wrote to INEC claiming the congress had been postponed. According to him, the leadership risks creating unnecessary crisis by refusing to accept the outcome.
Division in the Party
The PDP Governors Forum’s communiqué made it clear that loyalty to the convention must come first. However, Wike has rejected the zoning committee headed by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
Party insiders note that Wike’s once-strong alliance with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has broken down, further deepening divisions. Members accuse Wike of anti-party activities because he serves as a minister in the APC-led government, though he has denied such allegations.
Call for Unity Before November
With the PDP governors warning Wike ahead of convention, the party faces a test of strength and loyalty. The governors say the APC’s policies have left Nigerians in hardship, and the PDP must not allow personal disputes to ruin its chance of rebuilding
