PDP Convention in Jeopardy as BOT Report Flags Legal Risks, Structural Crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) heads into the weekend amid rising uncertainty, as its scheduled national convention is now overshadowed by escalating internal divisions and a damning Board of Trustees (BOT) report warning of potential legal and organisational collapse.

What should be a unifying event has instead exposed deepening fractures. A BOT committee report—signed by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, Dr. Mike Oghiadomhe, and four others—reveals weeks of consultations with governors, NWC officials, suspended officers, and other stakeholders. Its conclusions paint the picture of a party struggling to stay intact.

“Going ahead with the convention at this time must be subject to favourable legal status and disposition of INEC. Considering the multiple court orders and judgments, INEC is not likely going to monitor the convention,” the BOT warned.

The committee further noted unresolved or contested congresses in multiple states, leaving the party without properly accredited delegates in key regions. It recommended forming an all-inclusive caretaker committee to stabilise the PDP.

“An all-inclusive Caretaker Committee (CTC) is recommended because a failed convention will incapacitate the party’s ability to field candidates at all levels nationally,” the report cautioned.

Stakeholders Trade Blame

The BOT findings have reignited long-standing tensions. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike accused the BOT of bias and faulted governors for manipulating congresses and violating zoning arrangements. He insisted the party must act based on the Abuja High Court’s ruling.

But Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed fired back, saying:
“Wike aims to weaken and destroy the PDP… He is trouble-prone and unlikely to stop attacking the party and its structures.”

Suspended national officers also criticised the NWC, accusing it of breaching constitutional processes and disregarding court orders in the run-up to the convention.

Saraki Raises Alarm Over Wider Implications

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki reportedly warned that unresolved congress disputes, ongoing litigation, and festering grievances could leave the PDP vulnerable ahead of the 2027 general elections. He cautioned that first-term governors in Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara might even consider defecting if the crisis escalates.

Calls for Restraint Intensify

During a joint press briefing in Abuja, PDP stakeholders—Barr. George Turna (South-South Zonal Secretary), Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (Imo chairman), and Hon. Amah Abraham (Abia chairman)—echoed the BOT’s warnings.

Turna said the PDP risked its credibility by holding a convention that sidelines delegates from 14 states. Nwachukwu cited conflicting court judgments as further proof of “impunity,” while Abraham urged the party to adopt the BOT’s recommendations to restore order.

They collectively urged the leadership to prioritise resolving internal disputes rather than pushing ahead with a potentially divisive convention.

‘Convention Will Hold,’ PDP Financial Secretary Insists

Despite the mounting concerns, PDP National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro maintained that the convention would proceed as scheduled, dismissing those questioning its legality.

“Who are the members saying it will not hold? Some people who call themselves acting chairmen… You know the truth,” he said.

He insisted preparations were properly sanctioned:
“At the last NEC meeting, the timetable was released for the process leading to the convention… The convention is this weekend; Saturday and Sunday.”

Comparing internal disagreements to mainstream political dissent, Woyengikuro added:
“In a crowd, two or three people may have dissenting opinions. That doesn’t mean anything… Did everybody in Nigeria vote for Tinubu? No. Is Tinubu not the President? Yes.”

He also emphasised that the PDP’s leadership structure is not in dispute, dismissing those claiming to be “acting chairmen.”

“Our convention is holding, please,” he urged.

Uncertain Path Ahead

Despite these assurances, the BOT report’s stark warnings remain unresolved. With lingering court cases, fractured state structures, and the possibility that INEC may decline to monitor the event, doubts persist over the convention’s legitimacy.

As tensions escalate and rival factions entrench their positions, the PDP faces a critical crossroads—one that could either restore stability or deepen the internal rifts threatening its future.

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