The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, this November may be in jeopardy if the party fails to resolve lingering internal crises.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike stressed that the real issue was not the venue of the convention, but unresolved disputes within the party.
“The issue of the National convention is not the problem; the issue is the problems leading to the convention and people should understand that,” Wike said.
He disclosed that the PDP had agreed to set up a committee to address issues concerning the South-East and Ebonyi State. According to him, his team was already meeting to deliberate on the matter.
Wike dismissed reports suggesting that his opposition to the Ibadan venue was personal. “We are not contesting the venue of the convention. What we are saying is that the things leading to the convention—if they are not well taken care of—there are likelihood that the convention will not hold.
“And instead of you to report what we have said accurately, some people say because I’m quarreling with Seyi that is why I said the convention will not hold in Ibadan. The venue is not the subject matter,” he clarified.
The FCT Minister added that the PDP must address internal grievances before proceeding with the convention to avoid setbacks.
“We have held conventions in different venues before – Port Harcourt, Abuja – so the party can decide whether to hold it in Sokoto or Borno. But before you get to the convention, have you done what you are supposed to do? If you have not done it, it may be a setback,” he stated.
Wike, however, noted that efforts were underway to resolve the crisis, expressing hope that if the issues were addressed to the satisfaction of aggrieved members, the convention would proceed smoothly.
