The faction of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has called emergency meetings of its National Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, aiming to legally nullify a gathering held in Ibadan that rival members described as a national convention. National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu invited both sessions, placing governors and stakeholders who oppose the Wike-Anyanwu camp in a difficult position as attending could legitimize the faction, while absence might enable decisions against their interests.
Sources indicate the group has documented that over half the Board of Trustees members under former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum have exceeded their constitutional five-year terms, potentially weakening rival legitimacy. The faction claims backing from more than two-thirds of state chapters spanning multiple regions, while Kebbi State has already rejected the nomination of Tanimu Kabiru Turaki as national chairman and boycotted the Ibadan event.
A federal lawmaker aligned with Wike said the group remains receptive to reconciliation efforts but stands ready to organize a properly structured national convention if needed. The African Democratic Congress says it plans to capitalize on PDP divisions by welcoming defectors who embrace party principles.
Sources indicate the group has documented that over half the Board of Trustees members under former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum have exceeded their constitutional five-year terms, potentially weakening rival legitimacy. The faction claims backing from more than two-thirds of state chapters spanning multiple regions, while Kebbi State has already rejected the nomination of Tanimu Kabiru Turaki as national chairman and boycotted the Ibadan event.
A federal lawmaker aligned with Wike said the group remains receptive to reconciliation efforts but stands ready to organize a properly structured national convention if needed. The African Democratic Congress says it plans to capitalize on PDP divisions by welcoming defectors who embrace party principles.
