The Northern Elders Unity Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies of working to destabilize the opposition party ahead of its national convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a communiqué issued after its 18th General Meeting, the Forum reaffirmed “unwavering confidence” in PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, and condemned what it called “desperate attempts” to scuttle preparations for the convention.
“No amount of political intimidation, blackmail or lies will stop the successful organization of the national convention in Ibadan,” the Forum’s National Secretary, Dr. Abbas Sadauki (Dan Madamin Tofa), said in a strongly worded statement.
The group alleged that some members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) are colluding with external actors to undermine the party. “Those misleading groups within the party to scuttle the convention are mere jokers—predators unleashed against the collective interest,” Sadauki said, adding that any “unholy alliance” with opponents of the PDP would “end in political shame and regret.”
Without naming individuals beyond Wike, the Forum claimed the alleged sabotage is driven by “personal ambitions” and use of “court cases or misuse of power” to “wreck the party.” It vowed the effort would fail.
The elders endorsed Damagum’s leadership and praised “genuine party leaders” for steering the PDP toward unity and revival ahead of the 2027 general elections. “The commitment shown by Ambassador Damagum is a patriotic sacrifice aimed at rebuilding and repositioning the PDP for future victory,” the statement said.
The Forum also cautioned the judiciary and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against any attempts by political actors to “manipulate institutions” and urged the courts not to be swayed by “desperate elements” seeking to destabilize the democratic process.
Reiterating loyalty to the party’s organs, the elders insisted that the National Executive Committee’s decision to proceed with the Ibadan convention is binding on all members. They urged “all disciplined members” to uphold NEC’s directive and “protect the unity, integrity and future of the party.”
Wike, a former Rivers State governor and prominent PDP figure who now serves in the APC-led federal cabinet, has been at the center of the PDP’s internal rifts since 2022. He has not responded to the Forum’s latest accusations.
