- PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike, Makinde Factions Clash Over Congresses
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Ologunagba dismisses congress claims, insists focus is on Ibadan convention.
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Wike-Makinde rivalry resurfaces as PDP eyes 2027 presidency.
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, with factions issuing conflicting directives over party congresses in some states.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that on Monday, the party dismissed reports that a state congress was held in Cross River, describing such claims as “a hallucination” and nothing more than carnival activities. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told journalists in Abuja that the party is focused on its National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 19 new National Working Committee (NWC) members will be elected.
The confusion arose after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) received two contradictory letters. A letter dated September 25, signed by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, postponed congresses in Cross River, Kebbi, and Plateau states. However, another letter dated September 26, signed by National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, informed INEC that the congresses would still hold as scheduled on September 27.
Ologunagba insisted no congress took place in Cross River, saying: “If people gathered, it was for carnival activities, not a congress. For a congress to hold, the NWC must set up an electoral panel, which was not done.”
The development highlights renewed tensions between the Wike and Makinde camps, with party insiders warning of deeper divisions ahead of the convention. Wike has previously criticised the NWC over its handling of Chief Dan Orbih’s position as National Vice Chairman (South-South).
On speculation about former President Goodluck Jonathan contesting in 2027, Ologunagba said Jonathan remains a member of the PDP but stressed the party has many qualified governors and leaders capable of representing it in the next election.
He reaffirmed PDP’s commitment to organising an all-inclusive convention, insisting the party is fully prepared.
