INEC Attends Wike-backed PDP Convention

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were present at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention in Abuja, as party leaders urged genuine reconciliation and unity among members.

Prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, former Gombe State governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Senate Minority Leader Abdul Ningi, and former National Chairman of the party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, were among key stakeholders in attendance at the  Wike-backed national convention held in Abuja, where they collectively called for unity, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the party’s ideals.

The leaders emphasised the need for members to close ranks and work together to rebuild the PDP, stressing that internal cohesion remains critical to the party’s chances ahead of future electoral contests.

The convention, held at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, attracted more than 2,500 accredited delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the party moved to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC).

Delegates from across the federation had earlier converged on the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for the exercise, reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

As of about 7:09 p.m., activity was gradually building at the venue, although the convention had not yet fully commenced. Party supporters created a lively atmosphere around the stadium, entertaining early arrivals with music and dance, adding colour to the gathering.

A strong security presence was observed in and around the stadium, with security personnel strategically deployed to maintain order and ensure the safety of delegates and other attendees.

Delegations from all states of the federation, including the FCT, were visibly present, underscoring the nationwide participation in the convention.

Meanwhile, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were on the ground to monitor proceedings.

The electoral body was represented by two National Commissioners, Sani Adams and Ken Ukeagu. Other INEC officials present included the Director, Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), Joan Arabs; Director of Legal Services, Rakiya Nauzo; and Director of Drafting and Clearance, Nkechi Abuh.

Also in attendance were Mustapha Abubakar, Deputy Director, Party Legal and Liaison, alongside Mas’ud Hassan, Rakiya Dattijo, Umar Hassan, and Babangida Shanu.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, arrived at the venue with a large entourage of supporters and security personnel and was received cheerfully by delegates, many of whom stood across their designated areas to welcome him.

The convention is being organised by the PDP faction aligned with Wike, following the conclusion of congresses at ward, local government, and state levels.

Ikpeazu Calls For Reconciliation

In his address, the Chairman of the 2026 National Convention Planning and Organising Committee, Okezie Ikpeazu, called for urgent and genuine reconciliation within the party, stressing that unity remains critical to the PDP’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The duty of genuine reconciliation within our party is not optional; it is fundamental,” Ikpeazu said.

He urged the incoming leadership to prioritise healing divisions, rebuilding trust, and restoring discipline across party structures nationwide, while also strengthening internal democracy and inclusiveness.

Ikpeazu noted that the PDP had faced prolonged internal challenges since its last convention in 2021, including leadership disputes that necessitated the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) intervention in 2025 and the establishment of a caretaker committee.

Despite these setbacks, he expressed optimism that the convention, themed “Inclusiveness, Unity and Renewal,” would mark a turning point for the opposition party.

“This convention is more than a routine gathering; it is a defining moment in the life of our party. It is an opportunity for us to close ranks and reposition the PDP for the future,” he said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, particularly Nyesom Wike, whom he described as a formidable pillar, as well as Bukola Saraki and other leaders, for their roles in promoting dialogue and reconciliation.

We’ll Reclaim Mandate From Defected Govs–Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has also declared that the Peoples Democratic Party will move to reclaim its mandate from governors elected on its platform who later defected to other parties.

Speaking at the party’s National Convention in Abuja, Wike stressed that the PDP would no longer tolerate what he described as the “appropriation” of its electoral victories by disloyal members.

According to him, those who secured electoral mandates under the PDP but chose to abandon the party must be prepared to face the consequences, insisting that the party would take necessary steps to recover what rightfully belongs to it.

Wike, however, balanced his tough stance with a call for unity, acknowledging the existence of grievances within the party but emphasising that such disagreements are inevitable in any political organisation.

Meanwhile, the convention is being held amid lingering internal divisions within the PDP.

A rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki, and backed by Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, has rejected the Abuja convention and is challenging its legality at the Supreme Court.

Despite the legal tussle, the PDP National Caretaker Committee, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, has insisted that the convention will proceed as planned.

The convention is expected to produce a new leadership for the party, as efforts intensify to rebuild cohesion and reposition the PDP as a viable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.