- Nyesom Wike disclosed that reconciliation within the Peoples Democratic Party will begin after the March 29–30 convention
- He dismissed legal challenges from the Tanimu Turaki group as the party focuses on unity
- Wike emphasised inclusivity, stating the PDP remains open to accommodating aggrieved members
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that reconciliation efforts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will intensify after its March 29 and 30 National Convention.
Wike made it clear that while the party remains open to resolving internal disputes, such engagements would take place after the convention.
He also downplayed ongoing legal challenges from the Tanimu Turaki-led group.
“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 would 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 stated.
The minister spoke on Friday night after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, the venue for the convention.
He was accompanied by key party stakeholders, including former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who chairs the National Convention Planning Committee; Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; and Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman.
Wike confirmed that the party has concluded its zoning arrangement ahead of the convention, describing it as a move aimed at ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
According to him, the presidency has been zoned to the South, while the national chairmanship position has been allocated to the North.
“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 said.
Following his inspection of the venue, Wike expressed confidence in the preparedness of the organising committee.
“We are fully prepared. This visit is to assess final arrangements. As I said, we are about 95 percent ready, and by Saturday, 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,” he added.