Amid deepening divisions and waves of suspension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and a group of allied governors are reportedly regrouping to rebuild support and challenge the dominance of the Nyesom Wike-led faction ahead of the party’s forthcoming national convention, Egalitarian Voice reports.
Despite preparations for the National Elective Convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, internal disputes over party control, zoning arrangements, and convention logistics continue to rock the PDP.
Wike’s loyalists have accused the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and his team of bias and administrative incompetence, citing lingering crises in the South-South zone and alleged violations of the party’s micro-zoning principles.
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Tensions heightened on Friday after the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction restraining the PDP from holding its convention pending compliance with its constitution and the Electoral Act.
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In response, the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) on Saturday suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Deputy Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature over alleged anti-party activities.
However, the opposing camp led by Anyanwu fired back, announcing the counter-suspension of Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, and others over alleged financial misconduct and incompetence.
According to sources close to Makinde, the Oyo governor and other sympathetic state leaders are now strategising on how to overturn the injunction and reclaim the party’s direction ahead of the convention.
“We’re not backing down. We still command majority support, and talks are ongoing to appeal the court ruling and keep preparations for the convention on track,” a source told Punch.
Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim also criticised the court’s decision, describing it as a “deliberate attempt to weaken the opposition and weaponise the judiciary.”
He alleged that “external influences and internal sabotage” were at play to destabilise the PDP and strengthen the ruling party’s grip on power, but maintained that “true democrats will resist any move to destroy multiparty democracy in Nigeria.”
