PHOTO FILE: FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde

The Peoples Democratic Party’s planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, faces uncertainty as a rift between Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde deepens.

Wike has threatened to resist the November 16 convention, citing unresolved disputes over the South-South and South-East leadership of the party. He insists that Dan Orbih remains the authentic South-South vice chairman and that the South-East vice chairman, Ali Odefa, has been sacked by a court order.

“If they don’t correct these anomalies, there will be another round of crisis,” Wike warned during a Channels TV interview on Tuesday. He also denied knowledge of NEC’s decision on the convention, alleging that proper notice was not given.

The PDP leadership, however, dismissed his claims. The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said Wike was duly notified and warned that the party would take action if he continued to undermine its processes. “The convention will hold in Ibadan on November 15 and 16. We are following due process, and INEC has been duly informed,” Ologunagba stated.

Other party leaders, including Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, and former South-West Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso, accused Wike of overreaching. They stressed that the party was rebuilding after major defections and vowed to resist any attempt to derail the process.

Former Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, also dismissed Wike’s threat as “mere noise,” insisting that NEC decisions override personal interests.

Meanwhile, Oyo PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, expressed confidence that leaders would resolve the crisis before the convention.

The PDP plans to elect 19 new members into its National Working Committee at the Ibadan gathering, seen as critical to repositioning the opposition party ahead of 2027.