Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will surprise Nigerians in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence in the party’s strength.
Wike stated that reconciliation efforts with aggrieved members will continue even after the PDP National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, stressing that the process is ongoing.
He also dismissed the appeal filed at the Supreme Court by the Tanimu Turaki group, noting that it does not affect the planned convention.
Speaking after inspecting the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, the venue for the convention, Wike emphasised 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. Seating arrangements for all states have been completed, and the VIP section is ready. We do not expect more than 2,500 delegates,” he said.
He reiterated that the convention will proceed as scheduled, while internal disputes will be addressed afterward.
“There is room for accommodation. The PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella, it is wide enough to accommodate everyone.
“In any group, there will be grievances. You cannot expect everyone to be satisfied… We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns, and see how we can accommodate them. What is most important is the overall interest of the party,” Wike added.
On zoning, the minister confirmed that positions have already been allocated, with the presidency zoned to the South and the chairmanship to the North, describing it as a consensus arrangement aimed at easing the 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.
Wike was accompanied on the inspection by the Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman; National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; and other party leaders.
The convention is scheduled to hold on Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30, in Abuja.
