PDP Governors Defy Wike, Vow to Hold November 15 Convention
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has issued a strong warning to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and other dissenting voices, urging them not to undermine the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a communiqué released after its 7th meeting held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Gusau, Zamfara State, the governors reaffirmed their unwavering support for the resolutions adopted at the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in July 2025, which endorsed the convention.
The Forum stressed the need for party unity, urging members to reject any attempt to derail the process, and described the PDP as the only viable democratic institution capable of returning Nigeria to the path of good governance and sustainable development.
“The Forum reaffirms its full commitment to the resolutions of the 101st NEC meeting regarding the November 15 National Convention,” the communiqué read. “It urges members to resist all attempts by anti-party forces to derail the process and to view the PDP as the only democratic institution capable of restoring Nigeria.”
The meeting, chaired by Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, also addressed key national issues, including rising insecurity, democratic backsliding, and preparations for the convention.
The governors commended party leaders and members for their resilience amid orchestrated defections, noting that such distractions have not eroded the PDP’s grassroots appeal or the public’s growing demand for competent governance and improved living conditions, as seen under previous PDP administrations.
They reiterated their commitment to rescuing the country from what they called the divisive governance and harsh policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which they argue continue to impose severe hardship on Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Wike has publicly criticized recent decisions by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), particularly the composition of the South-South Caretaker Committee and the retention of Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South-East).
Wike warned that ignoring the zonal congress that elected his ally, Dan Orbih, as National Vice Chairman (South-South) could trigger a new crisis in the party.
“Our congress was held in Calabar, and Dan Orbih emerged as National Vice Chairman. If they refuse to acknowledge that, it’s an invitation to fresh crisis,” Wike stated. He accused the acting national chairman of attempting to invalidate the congress by writing to INEC after it had already taken place.
Wike also rejected the zoning committee led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and has reportedly fallen out with his former ally, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Party members have criticized Wike for alleged anti-party activities due to his role in the APC-led federal cabinet—allegations he has consistently denied.