The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled for March 29 and 30, will proceed as planned, noting that efforts to reconcile aggrieved members will continue after the event.
Wike also expressed confidence that the PDP would surprise Nigerians in the 2027 general elections by demonstrating its political strength.
The minister dismissed the appeal filed at the Supreme Court by the Tanimu Turaki group, stating that it would not affect the planned convention.
Speaking after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, the convention venue in Abuja, on Friday night, Wike explained that reconciliation within the party is an ongoing process.
He was accompanied by the Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), Mohammed Abdulrahman; National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; and other party leaders, including Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche.
The minister said there was room for accommodation within the party, describing the PDP as large enough to carry all members, despite existing grievances.
He noted that disagreements are inevitable in any large organisation, adding that the party leadership had resolved to engage aggrieved members, understand their concerns, and find ways to accommodate them in the overall interest of the party.
On zoning, Wike confirmed that party positions had already been shared across regions, with the presidency zoned to the South and the chairmanship to the North, describing the arrangement as a consensus aimed at ensuring a smooth process.
He added that the PDP was presenting a unified front ahead of the convention, stressing that members had agreed on a common direction for the party.
The minister also expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation for the convention, stating that arrangements were about 95 per cent complete, with final touches expected to be concluded before the event.
He noted that seating arrangements for all states and the VIP section had been finalised, adding that about 2,500 delegates were expected at the convention.
The convention is scheduled to hold on Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30.
