Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will use the 2027 general elections to demonstrate its political strength, declaring that the party is set to “shock Nigerians” with its performance.
Wike made the statement on Friday night after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, the venue for the party’s National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.
He dismissed legal challenges by the Tanimu Turaki group, noting that the appeal at the Supreme Court would not affect the planned convention.
According to him, no fewer than 2,500 delegates are expected to attend the event, adding that preparations are almost complete. “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,” Wike said.
The minister, who was accompanied by top party officials including Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; and Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman, expressed confidence in the readiness of the planning committee.
On internal disputes within the party, Wike acknowledged the existence of grievances but stressed that efforts would be made to resolve them after the convention.
“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone,” he said, adding that disagreements are inevitable in a large political organisation.
He assured that the party leadership would engage aggrieved members to address their concerns in the interest of unity.
Wike also confirmed that the party has finalised its zoning arrangement, with the presidency allocated to the South and the chairmanship zoned to the North, describing it as a consensus aimed at ensuring a smooth process.
“For the first time, the PDP is presenting a unified front. There are no factions. Everyone has agreed on the direction we are taking,” he said.
The PDP National Convention is scheduled to hold on Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30.
