Wike
Wike-PDP faction conducts state congresses across Nigeria ahead of March 28 National Convention
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, successfully elected new party executives in several states, including Bayelsa, Oyo, and Ekiti, over the weekend.
The exercise follows the Court of Appeal judgment that nullified the party’s November 15 and 16 convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, which had produced Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as national chairman. As part of its preparations for a national convention scheduled for March 28 in Abuja, the Wike-backed caretaker committee conducted ward and zonal congresses before proceeding with the state congresses across various states over the weekend.
In Bayelsa State, Alabh Turnah emerged as the new state chairman through a consensus arrangement during a congress held at the newly inaugurated PDP secretariat in Yenagoa. The exercise was overseen by an electoral panel led by Austin Sor and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under heavy security. Other members elected to the 20-man State Working Committee included Ato Ebibofayei as secretary and Biobelemoyei Goniwari as treasurer.
In his acceptance speech, Turnah expressed the party’s determination to reclaim governance of the state. “We thank our delegates, the panel, and the INEC observers. I accept this mandate on behalf of my team and the newly elected State Working Committee. We see it as a sacred mandate freely given to us by our people, and we will not betray the confidence reposed in us,” he said.
Turnah assured party members that the new leadership would serve with dedication, emphasizing that “PDP is Bayelsa and Bayelsa is PDP.” He dismissed claims that the party had become an opposition in the state, stating, “That may be theoretical, but in practical terms, PDP remains the majority party in the state.” He expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, adding, “By 2027, under our leadership, PDP will make a strong statement and meet the expectations of our people. Creek Haven belongs to PDP.”
In Ekiti State, Mr. Lanre Omolase emerged as chairman of the faction aligned with Wike and former Governor Ayodele Fayose. Following his emergence, Omolase pledged to rebuild the party and restore its winning legacy. “I will lead the party with the fear of God and ensure that the party regains its lost grounds in the state. We have all it takes to achieve that,” he stated during the inauguration in Ado Ekiti.
A member of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee, Bisi Kolawole, noted that efforts were underway to heal the party’s internal divisions and reposition it for future political success. “No doubt, our party has experienced internal challenges in recent times, but the leadership at the national level is working diligently to restore unity, strengthen internal democracy, and rebuild the confidence of members across the country,” Kolawole said.
He urged the newly elected executives to remain loyal, respect party elders, and work collectively to advance the party’s interests.
The Chairman of the PDP State Congress Committee in Ekiti, Philip Adebiyi, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the congress and called for reconciliation among party members.
In Oyo State, the party elected Abdulrahman Akinoso, a lecturer in the Department of Food Technology at the University of Ibadan, as state chairman during a congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan. Other elected officers included Abiola Olaonipekun as secretary, Latifah Latifu as women leader, and A. Adeleke as youth leader. INEC officials were also present to monitor the exercise.
In his inaugural remarks, Akinoso emphasized that the party’s immediate focus would be preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He called on members to set aside internal differences and work toward strengthening the party through unity and membership mobilization. “Party executives must focus on coordinating party activities, promoting harmony among members, and ensuring victory at the polls,” he said.
He also announced that e-membership registration would commence the following week in line with directives from the National Caretaker Committee.
Meanwhile, Ini Ememobong, spokesman for the Turaki-led National Working Committee, issued a statement cautioning that the dissolution of state executives in Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo by the Wike faction could undermine ongoing reconciliation efforts.
The statement described the dissolution as “illegal and unwarranted,” adding that it was “an affront to the proposed reconciliation for which talks are underway.” It urged state chapters and party officers to disregard the notices and continue performing their lawful duties.
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