2027: Wike’s PDP faction set for Abuja convention, expects 2,500 delegates

​The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will proceed as scheduled on March 29 and 30, despite lingering legal hurdles and internal friction.

​Wike, who inspected the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja on Friday night, confirmed that logistical arrangements are 95 per cent complete. He noted that approximately 2,500 delegates are expected to converge on the capital city to elect new leadership for the main opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

​Addressing the legal challenge filed by the Tanimu Turaki group at the Supreme Court, Wike dismissed the suit’s potential to halt the proceedings. He maintained that the party has moved past the factional crises that have plagued its leadership since November 2025.

​The Minister revealed that a consensus arrangement has already seen party positions distributed across the country’s regions to ensure stability.

​”We have already zoned our positions. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North. We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier,” Wike stated.

​He further emphasized that the PDP is presenting a “unified front” for the first time in recent history, moving away from the controversial “unity lists” of the past.

​Despite the convention moving forward, Wike acknowledged that aggrieved members still exist within the party. He described reconciliation as a “continuous process” that would not end with the convention.

​“The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone. We have agreed to sit down with those who are unhappy, understand their concerns, and see how we can accommodate them,” he added.

​The upcoming convention follows a period of intense legal battles. On March 9, the Court of Appeal nullified the November 15 Ibadan convention, which had produced Kabiru Turaki’s leadership, ruling it a violation of the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution. This opened the door for the Wike-backed 13-member Caretaker Committee, led by Mohammed Abdulrahman, to organize the current gathering.

​Accompanying Wike on the inspection tour were prominent figures including Okezie Ikpeazu, Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee; Mao Ohuabunwa, BOT Chairman; and Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary.