(DDM) — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has downplayed the impact of a Supreme Court appeal filed by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, declaring that it poses no threat to the party’s forthcoming national convention.
Wike, speaking in Abuja after inspecting preparations at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, maintained that the convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 would proceed as planned despite internal disagreements within the party.
The appeal, filed by a faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has stirred debate within PDP circles, but Wike insisted it holds no consequence for the party’s immediate activities or long-term strategy.
He described the legal action as inconsequential, stressing that the party remains focused on strengthening its internal structure and preparing for future electoral contests, particularly the 2027 general elections.
According to the minister, reconciliation within the PDP is an ongoing process that will not be disrupted by the convention. He noted that efforts to address grievances among party members would continue before, during, and after the gathering.
Wike further expressed confidence in the PDP’s prospects, boldly stating that the party would surprise Nigerians in the next general election, signaling optimism about its chances of regaining political dominance.
He was joined during the inspection by several top party figures, including former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who chairs the National Convention Planning Committee, as well as other members of the party’s leadership structure.
The minister emphasized that internal disagreements are natural in a large political organization like the PDP, describing the party as broad enough to accommodate diverse interests and opinions. He argued that what matters most is the ability to manage differences effectively in the collective interest of the party.
On the issue of zoning, Wike revealed that the PDP has already reached a consensus on the distribution of key political positions, noting that the presidency has been zoned to the South while the national chairmanship has been allocated to the North.
Analysts say this arrangement could play a critical role in reducing tensions within the party and fostering unity ahead of the convention, which is expected to shape the PDP’s direction heading into 2027.
Observers also note that Wike’s firm stance reflects a broader attempt by party leadership to project stability and cohesion despite ongoing internal disputes and factional pressures.
As preparations for the convention enter the final phase, attention remains focused on how the PDP will navigate its internal challenges while positioning itself as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
