2027: How Wike camp locked down PDP

2026-03-30 - 11:53

By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) used its 10th Elective National Convention to project unity, order and momentum. But beneath the smooth, well-choreographed proceedings at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, a different picture quietly took shape. For many insiders, the outcome was never really in doubt. What played out over two days was less a contest and more a confirmation of decisions already settled, alliances already formed, and a leadership structure now firmly aligned around key power blocs as the party looks ahead to 2027. The convention delivered exactly what party stakeholders led by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had been working toward in the weeks before it: a largely uncontested National Working Committee (NWC), no open floor fights, and a series of motions that formalised agreements reached behind closed doors. For delegates, it felt like a successful gathering. For some party leaders, it offered a clear glimpse into how the PDP is repositioning itself for relevance in the next election cycle. The convention, held between Sunday and Monday, brought together about 2,500 delegates, leaders and observers, including officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Among those in attendance were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; the newly affirmed National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed; and the newly affirmed National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. Also present were former governors and lawmakers, including Ahmed Makarfi, Sule Lamido, Samuel Ortom, Hassan Dankwambo and Okezie Ikpeazu; Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro; as well as Senators Natasha Akpoti, Sandy Onor, Lado Garba and Mao Ohuabunwa, among others. Order Inside, Uneasy Signals Outside From early morning, security operatives mounted multiple checkpoints around the stadium complex, screening vehicles and pedestrians with methodical precision. Armed personnel, plainclothes operatives and traffic officials worked in sync, creating layers of access control that stretched traffic along approach roads. Accreditation was deliberate and, at times, slow. Delegates shuffled forward, badges raised, names cross-checked, movements carefully guided. Inside, however, the atmosphere shifted. The scene felt composed, almost theatrical. The velodrome gradually filled with colour. Delegates in coordinated fabrics sat in clusters representing their states, exchanging greetings, taking photos and, at intervals, breaking into chants. The rhythm of the gathering felt controlled, neither chaotic nor subdued. Outside the velodrome, a different Nigeria unfolded. Young boys, some no older than 12, rode horses along the fringes of the complex, their small frames steady atop decorated animals, weaving slowly through curious onlookers. They drew cameras, laughter and attention, adding an unexpected layer of spectacle to the political gathering. Nearby, traders sat behind trays of drinks, snacks and party memorabilia, watching the flow of people with quiet anticipation. Several complained of low patronage. The programme itself ran with unusual precision. Announcements were clear, transitions were quick, and speakers largely stuck to time. Even typically contentious moments, like motions and ratifications, passed without resistance. Security remained tight throughout the event, with no major incidents recorded. Movement within the arena was orderly, guided by officials and security personnel. Privately, many delegates admitted that this level of order didn’t just happen by chance. Wike’s Shadow Over Proceedings No single speech openly described the convention as pre-arranged, but the tone of remarks from key figures pointed strongly in that direction. Wike’s presence, in particular, loomed large, both in influence and in messaging. “I thank God for the journey and that today has come to pass. What we expected and what we prayed for, God has answered beyond our prayers. This is not just about coming here to gather; it is about the journey we have taken as a party, the difficulties we have faced, and the determination of members to ensure that this party does not collapse under the weight of its own internal contradictions,” he said. He didn’t shy away from revisiting past internal disputes. “It was here that impunity was displayed. Let us not pretend about it. We all witnessed what happened (in 2022), where decisions that should have reflected fairness and equity did not do so. “Every position, whether elective or appointive, should be zoned across the various regions so that every part of this country will have a sense of belonging. When that principle is violated, what you get is distrust, what you get is resentment, and what you get is exactly what we have seen over the years,” he said. Wike argued that ignoring zoning principles had deepened divisions within the party. “There were internal manoeuvres, and decisions were taken that went against those principles. And when those decisions were taken, people felt alienated; people felt excluded, and that is how crises begin in political parties. It is not just about individuals; it is about systems and processes that must be respected if the party must survive,” he added. On reconciliation, he was measured, optimistic, but realistic. “Healing will not happen overnight. Nobody should deceive himself that because we are here today, everything has ended. It will take time. It will take sacrifice. It will take commitment from all of us to say that the party is bigger than any individual ambition. But I believe that with what we have seen today, with the spirit that has been demonstrated, we can rebuild trust and move forward together as one united party,” he said. Unity Must Be Seen to Be Believed – Saraki Saraki’s message focused less on internal battles and more on credibility. As he moved through the venue alongside Wike on arrival, he drew steady attention before going on to deliver a speech focused on legitimacy and the party’s future. “The success of the convention shows that the PDP is alive, the PDP is active, and the PDP is here to stay. For those who have doubted whether this party still has the capacity to organise itself, today has answered those questions. What you are seeing here is not just a gathering; it is a reaffirmation of belief in the ideals that brought this party into existence,” he said. But he made it clear that unity must go beyond appearances. “We must ensure the integrity and validity of our processes. It is not enough to say we are united; the processes that produce our leaders must be credible, must be transparent, and must be acceptable to the majority of our members. That is how you build confidence, and that is how you prepare for the future,” he said. Looking ahead, he tied the convention directly to 2027. “Today, we are certain the PDP will be on the ballot in 2027. That is the minimum expectation, but beyond that, we must also ensure that we are competitive, that we are prepared, and that we are able to present a credible alternative to Nigerians. What we have done today is to lay the foundation for that journey,” he added. Moro Reveals the Backroom Work Behind the calm surface, there was intense negotiation, and Moro gave the clearest account of it. “We are here not as undertakers of the PDP, but as builders of the PDP family. When we saw the situation of the party, when we saw the level of division and the risk that it posed, we knew that we could not stand aside and watch events unfold without intervention,” he said. According to him, lawmakers stepped in deliberately to stabilise the party. “We resolved among ourselves that we must assume a role that would mediate in the crisis. That responsibility was not given to us by anybody; we took it upon ourselves because we understood what was at stake, not just for the party but for the country as well,” he said. Those efforts included direct engagement with key figures. “We met with the Honourable Minister and other stakeholders, and we presented terms for peace. We listened, we negotiated, we made compromises where necessary, but the governors rejected the terms at the time. However, I am pleased to report today that those efforts have yielded results. What you are seeing today did not just happen; it is the product of deliberate engagement,” he said. Moro warned that the party cannot afford to slow down now. “In the fierce urgency of now, we can no longer afford to sit on the fence. The time for action is now. The time to rebuild is now. And the time to demonstrate that we are serious about moving forward as one united party is now,” he added. Setting the Record Straight Meanwhile, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu laid out the party’s recent history, acknowledging both stability and disruption. “This is not merely a chronicle of events but a testament to the resilience of the PDP. It is important that we understand where we are coming from so that we can appreciate where we are going. The journey has not been easy, but it has been one that has tested and strengthened us,” he said. He noted how internal conflicts disrupted earlier progress. “The party was stable and well-positioned to play its role as a leading opposition force. However, this trajectory was later disrupted by internal disagreements, conflicts, and challenges that threatened the cohesion of the party,” he said. Reforms, he added, were part of the recovery effort. “We undertook reforms aimed at improving internal communication, strengthening mechanisms for conflict resolution, and ensuring that the structures of the party remain functional and responsive to the needs of members across the country,” he said. And he urged members to stay the course. “I urge all members to embrace the spirit of unity, to put aside differences, and to work collectively toward the rebuilding and repositioning of our great party,” he added. Decisions Made, Not Debated Much of the convention’s formal business followed a predictable rhythm: motions were moved, seconded and passed, without opposition. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan set the tone as she initiated the ratification process. “The National Convention is invited to ratify the ward, local government and state congresses conducted in 2024. These processes were carried out in accordance with the constitution of our party and in compliance with the guidelines that were issued, and it is necessary that this convention formally endorses them,” she said. The motion sailed through What followed reinforced the pattern; decisions were affirmed rather than contested. Motion No. 2, moved by the Honourable TJ Yusuf, addressed the reversal of the decision of the party’s NEC which had appointed Umar Iliya Damagum as National Chairman in 2025. Motion No. 3, moved by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, focused on the ratification and dissolution of the National Caretaker Committee. Motion No. 4, moved by House Minority Leader, the Honourable Kingsley Chinda, covered the election of substantive officers of the party. Each motion was adopted by voice vote, overwhelmingly, and without dissent. Senator Sandy Onor, presenting the screening report, confirmed that all candidates had been cleared. “All aspirants who presented themselves for consideration were subjected to thorough screening in line with the guidelines approved by the party. They were screened and found fit and proper to serve in the respective positions for which they have been nominated,” he said. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present throughout, quietly observing proceedings and monitoring compliance with party regulations. Representing the commission were national commissioners Prof. Sani Adams (SAN) and Dr Ken Ukeagu. Also in attendance were the Director of Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), Joan Arabs; Director of Legal, Rakiya Nauzo; and Director of Drafting and Clearance, Nkechi Abuh. Other officials included Mustapha Abubakar, Deputy Director, Party Legal and Liaison; Mas’ud Hassan; Rakiya Dattijo; Umar Hassan; and Babangida Shanu. No major incidents were reported. Full List of National Officers The convention ratified the following National Working Committee: 1. National Chairman — Abdulrahman Mohammed 2. Deputy National Chairman (South) — Aaron Chukwuemeka 3. Deputy National Chairman (North) — Yusuf Nya Akirikwen, SAN 4. National Secretary — Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu 5. Deputy National Secretary — Kolawale Olabisi 6. National Treasurer — Odeyemei Mackson Oladiran 7. Deputy National Treasurer — Lado Dan Marke 8. National Financial Secretary — Eyim Donatus Henry 9. Deputy National Financial Secretary — Dr Grema Kyari 10. National Organising Secretary — Umar Mohammed Bature 11. Deputy National Organising Secretary — Efere Augustine 12. National Publicity Secretary — Jungudo Haruna Mohammed 13. Deputy National Publicity Secretary — Egwu Good luck, Chidiebere. 14. National Legal Adviser — Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN 15. Deputy National Legal Adviser — Barr. Aloysius Chinemelu Uba. 16. National Auditor — Osuoha Okechukwu Donatus 17. Deputy National Auditor — Dr Adaba Ozohu Seri Yatu 18. National Women Leader — Prof. Ogunshe Adenike Adedayo 19. Deputy National Women Leader — Hauwa Ahmed Shinge 20. National Youth Leader — Ibrahim Bala Aboki 21. Deputy National Youth Leader — Momoh Dejhi Eugene Bashir A Chairman with a Balancing Act In his acceptance speech, Abdulrahman Mohammed struck a tone of humility and responsibility. “I stand before you deeply humbled, profoundly grateful, and fully conscious of the responsibility that comes with this position. This is not a moment for personal celebration; it is a moment for collective commitment to the future of our party. “This mandate is not about me; it is about all of us. It is about unity, stability, and renewal. It is about creating a party where every member feels included and where every voice is heard. “We must rebuild trust, restore discipline, and reposition the PDP as a credible national platform. That is the responsibility before us, and it is one that we must embrace together,” he said. Mohammed, in his closing assurance, acknowledged the task ahead. “I assure you all that I will serve with humility and with an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of this party,” he said. An Unfinished Story As proceedings drew to a close and delegates began to disperse, the sense of completion inside the velodrome stood in contrast to unresolved questions outside it. Notably absent were some key party figures, including PDP governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), members of the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees, as well as other stakeholders aligned with the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee. Their absence highlighted lingering divisions which, though muted during the convention, remain part of the PDP’s internal landscape. The convention delivered structure, clarity and a semblance of unity. Whether that unity endures and translates into electoral strength will ultimately define the party’s trajectory as the 2027 contest approaches.