PDP will surprise Nigerians in 2027 – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will proceed with its national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, noting that reconciliation among aggrieved members will continue beyond the exercise.

Wike expressed strong optimism about the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections, stating that the PDP would stage an impressive comeback that would take Nigerians by surprise.

He also downplayed concerns over a Supreme Court appeal filed by a group led by Tanimu Turaki, insisting that it would not disrupt the planned convention.

Speaking on Friday night after inspecting the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the designated venue for the event, Wike emphasized that resolving internal disputes within the party is a continuous process.

“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.

“I have always said that in any group, there will be grievances. You cannot expect that in a family of two or three people, everyone will always be satisfied, let alone a party with millions of members.

There will always be a few who are not happy. We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns, and see how we can accommodate them. What is most important is the overall interest of the party,” he said.

On zoning arrangements, Wike disclosed that major positions have already been allocated across regions to maintain balance.

“We have already zoned our positions. Every zone has its own slots. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North. We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier.

“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front, rather than the usual ‘unity list’ that often reflects internal divisions.

There are no factions; everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking.”

He further noted that preparations for the convention are nearly complete.

“We are fully prepared. This visit is to assess final arrangements. As I said, we are about 95 percent ready, and by tomorrow, everything will be set.

“Seating arrangements for all states have been completed, and the VIP section is ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates.”

The PDP national convention is slated to take place in Abuja on Sunday and Monday.