PDP South-West Chairman Defiant As Wike’s Threats Fail To Derail National Convention.
The South-West Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Kamorudeen Ajisafe, has firmly declared that the party’s national convention, scheduled for 15–16 November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State, will proceed as planned despite opposition from Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Ajisafe’s bold statement comes amid rising tensions within the PDP, with Wike’s camp attempting to influence the party’s internal processes ahead of the crucial event.
Ajisafe, speaking to journalists, dismissed Wike’s claims of exclusion from the party’s decision-making, including the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that approved the convention’s date and venue. “There is documentary evidence confirming that he was invited to both the NEC meeting and the convention on 18 July,” Ajisafe stated, refuting Wike’s assertion that he was sidelined. The South-West chairman accused the former Rivers State governor of engaging in anti-party activities, urging the PDP leadership to take decisive action to maintain unity.
The PDP Governors’ Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has thrown its weight behind the convention, vowing to resist “anti-party forces” attempting to derail the process. In a communiqué issued after their meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to the NEC’s resolutions and described the PDP as the “only viable alternative” to restore good governance in Nigeria. They urged party members to unite and focus on the 2027 general elections, dismissing speculations of a parallel convention as baseless.
Wike’s objections centre on the PDP’s refusal to recognise the South-South zonal congress that re-elected his ally, Dan Orbih, as chairman, and the retention of Chief Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South East). The minister has warned that failure to address these issues could spark a fresh crisis within the party. However, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and South-South Caretaker Committee Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi have rejected Wike’s demands, insisting that the party’s processes are constitutional and that the minister is merely “bluffing.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a former ally of Wike in the G-5 bloc, has distanced himself from the minister’s actions, refusing to engage in what he called “gutter politics.” Makinde, who is set to host the convention in Ibadan, emphasised the PDP’s unity and its determination to showcase democratic principles. “This convention will be a reference point for how democracy should be practised in Nigeria,” he said, highlighting the party’s progress since resolving internal conflicts in the South-West zone four years ago.
Ajisafe also addressed concerns about the PDP’s strength in the South-West, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Citing recent by-election victories in Oyo State, he argued that the PDP remains a formidable force with strong grassroots support. “We won in Oyo and came second in nearly all states where elections were held. The PDP will never die,” Ajisafe declared, dismissing fears of defections weakening the party.
As the PDP prepares for its convention, the party’s leadership is focused on electing a new National Working Committee (NWC) to replace the current team, whose tenure expires in December. The event is seen as a critical step towards uniting the party and positioning it as a strong contender in the 2027 elections. With the NEC’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South, discussions are ongoing about potential candidates, though Ajisafe clarified that no specific individual has been endorsed yet.
The PDP’s resolve to hold the convention in Ibadan signals a commitment to overcoming internal challenges and presenting a united front. As Ajisafe and other party leaders rally members to support the process, the stage is set for a defining moment in the PDP’s journey towards reclaiming national prominence.
