Wike’s opposition, which stems from a worsening fallout with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and disputes over party leadership structures in the South-South and South-East, has triggered fears that the convention could be derailed.
The PDP had resolved at its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 24, 2025, to elect 19 new members into the National Working Committee (NWC) at the Ibadan convention, a move intended to stabilize the party after months of crisis and defections.
Wike Raises Alarm Over “Impunity”
Speaking on Tuesday night, Wike insisted that the PDP must first recognize the Calabar congress, which produced Chief Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman (South-South), and remove Ali Odefaas South-East Vice Chairman following a court ruling.
He warned:
“If they want to have another round of crisis, so be it. The National Vice Chairman of PDP South-South is Chief Dan Orbih. If they don’t agree, that’s another round of crisis… I am not part of the convention until they have corrected these anomalies.”
Wike also dismissed reports that a parallel convention was being planned but maintained that he had not been officially notified by NEC of the Ibadan convention.
PDP Hits Back
In a swift reaction, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told reporters in Abuja on Wednesday that Wike had been duly notified and warned that the party would take decisive steps against any NEC member who undermines its collective interest.
“The national convention will hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan. All NEC members, including Minister Wike, received formal notice. INEC has also been duly informed. The PDP constitution will guide our actions, and there will be zero tolerance for disloyalty,” Ologunagba stressed.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, and former National Vice Chairman (South West), Eddy Olafeso, also criticized Wike, describing his position as overreaching and vowing to resist his attempts to derail the party’s plans.
Former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, dismissed Wike’s threat as “mere noise,” warning that no single individual could dictate to the PDP.
“NEC has decided, and the convention will hold in Ibadan. I will advise my political son (Wike) to follow the rules,” George said.
PDP’s Fragile Rebuilding Effort
The Ibadan convention is seen as critical to the PDP’s survival after suffering high-profile defections, including its 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, his running mate Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, who have all left for the ruling APC or the new African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Despite the internal wrangling, Oyo PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, expressed confidence that the crisis would be resolved ahead of November.
“It’s politics. Wike is someone I respect, and Governor Makinde supported him strongly in the past. Our leaders will resolve these issues before the convention,” Ogungbenro told KogiTribune in Ibadan.
What Lies Ahead
As of press time, Wike’s allies — including former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), as well as PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu — were meeting privately in Abuja to decide their next steps.
Party insiders told KogiTribune that the Wike camp was prepared for a “final showdown” if the leadership failed to address their grievances.
With the PDP NEC insisting that preparations for Ibadan are on course and Wike threatening resistance, the stage appears set for a stormy build-up to the November 2025 convention, a gathering that may determine the PDP’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
