By Obinna Uballa
The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party widened on Sunday as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced plans to conduct fresh state congresses and a national convention to install new leadership at all levels of the party.
The chairman of the factional Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, made the disclosure at the opening of the BoT meeting held at Wike’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Ohuabunwa said the faction had begun restructuring PDP organs in states troubled by internal disputes, including the setting up of caretaker committees ahead of full congresses.
“We are making meaningful progress in reorganising affected states, including the constitution of credible caretaker committees to prepare the ground for transparent congresses and, ultimately, a convention,” Ohuabunwa said.
He added that the reforms were intended to rebuild confidence, strengthen internal cohesion, and restore the PDP’s reputation for fairness and inclusiveness.
Ohuabunwa affirmed that the factional BoT would support the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee in running the party in line with its constitution.
“We are going to work with this NWC; we are going to encourage them and ensure that the right things are done and done in accordance with the law and the party’s guidelines,” he said.
The former senator stressed that the BoT had a constitutional duty to provide stability and moral direction during turbulent periods.
“As the constitution entails, the Board of Trustees must continue to provide stability, wisdom and moral guidance. Our duty is to safeguard the party’s soul and steer it away from divisive tendencies,” he said.
Ohuabunwa urged BoT members to remain committed to ongoing reforms and to prioritise unity as the party moves towards future elections.
“Our duty is to consolidate reforms, deepen internal cohesion and ensure that the PDP emerges stronger, more united and prepared for leadership responsibilities,” he added.
Ohuabunwa emerged as factional BoT chairman on 7 November after a meeting at Wike’s residence, during which Ibrahim Dansidi was also named secretary.
The latest move by the Wike bloc heightens tensions with the faction aligned with Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde, which in November held a parallel national convention in Ibadan that produced Turaki Taminu as national chairman.
The Ibadan convention was conducted amid conflicting court orders permitting and restraining it, deepening uncertainty over the party’s leadership.
