Hundreds of delegates from across Nigeria have converged on the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja for the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The convention, backed by Nyesom Wike, is taking place at the Velodrome of the stadium, where delegates are expected to elect the party's National Working Committee (NWC).
According to a list obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, a total of 2,632 delegates will participate in the event. These delegates, representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, are expected to replace the current National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) with a new leadership. The Wike-backed faction, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, has reaffirmed its commitment to proceeding with the convention as scheduled.
The convention is set to take place over two days, with some delegates still arriving at the venue as of 7 p.m. on Sunday. The event is expected to be contentious, given the opposition from the Tanimu Turaki-led faction, which was recently sacked by the Court of Appeal.
The PDP's national convention is a critical moment for the party, with significant implications for its future direction. The Wike-backed faction's determination to proceed with the convention, despite opposition from other groups, raises questions about the party's internal dynamics and its ability to present a united front. The convention's outcome will likely have a direct impact on the party's leadership and its chances of success in future elections. As Nigerians, we expect the party to prioritize transparency and accountability in its leadership elections. The successful conduct of the convention will be a crucial test of the party's ability to manage its internal conflicts and present a viable alternative to the ruling party.