The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is holding a closed-door emergency meeting at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, to address a deepening internal crisis and recent administrative setbacks threatening the party’s stability.
The meeting, which commenced at 5:30 p.m., is primarily centered on the escalating rift involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who recently withdrew from peace negotiations, citing dishonesty among key party leaders such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. “The BoT is trying to sort out the issues with Wike. He pulled out of the peace talks and accused leaders like Seyi Makinde of not being truthful,” a party source told Vanguard.
High-Profile Attendance
Key figures in attendance include:
- Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum
- Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), also Chair of the PDP Governors’ Forum
- Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)
- Former Senate President Bukola Saraki
- BoT members and elder statesmen such as Ben Obi, Olabode George, Jerry Gana, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and Josephine Anenih
Secretariat Shutdown Deepens Crisis
Alongside the Wike controversy, the BoT is addressing the abrupt closure of the PDP National Secretariat (Wadata Plaza) by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) due to 28 years of unpaid ground rent. This forced the party to relocate its operations temporarily to the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge. “They’re also dealing with the fact that the party’s headquarters has been shut down by the FCTA over unpaid rent,” the source confirmed.
NEC Meeting Likely to Be Postponed
There is growing speculation that the planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for Tuesday, may be postponed to allow more time for internal conflict resolution and strategic planning. “The NEC meeting might be pushed back to give more time to settle these internal conflicts,” the source added.
Party at a Crossroads
The PDP has been grappling with internal factionalism since the 2023 general elections, and Wike’s public exit from reconciliation efforts on Sunday has intensified fears over a potential party breakdown. The outcomes of today’s BoT meeting are expected to shape the party’s ability to regroup, reorganize, and present a united front ahead of future political contests, especially with new coalitions forming in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
