The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has hinted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State capital city, may not hold if lingering crises within the party are not resolved.

Naijaonpoint reports that Wike spoke on Monday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, where he dismissed claims that his concerns were about the convention’s venue.

According to Wike, the real issue lies in unresolved disputes leading up to the convention, not where it will be held.

“The issue of the National Convention is not the problem, the issue is the problems leading to the convention and people should understand that,” the FCT Minister said.

He explained further: “We are not contesting the venue of the convention. What we are saying is that the things leading to the convention, if they are not well taken care of, there is likelihood that the convention will not hold.”

Wike Denies Rift With Makinde

The FCT Minister also debunked reports suggesting his comments were linked to a feud with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

“Instead of you to report what we have said accurately, some people say because I’m quarrelling with Seyi that is why I said the convention will not hold in Ibadan. The venue is not the subject matter. The subject matter is have you done what you are supposed to do before holding that convention?” Wike clarified.

Wike disclosed that the party had set up a committee to address issues in the South-East, particularly Ebonyi State.

“PDP has agreed to set up a committee for the Southeast and Ebonyi. Our own team is meeting by 7pm today and you will hear what we have to say,” he added.

He stressed that while PDP has previously held conventions in Port Harcourt and Abuja, the choice of venue was less important than resolving internal disputes.

“The party can decide whether to hold it in Sokoto or Borno, but what we are saying is before you get to the convention, have you done what you are supposed to do? If you have not done it, it may be a setback,” Wike warned.

The minister concluded by saying that the party must address grievances satisfactorily to avoid disruptions.

“The PDP, from what I learnt, has taken some steps to see that the issues are being resolved and if resolved to the satisfaction of the complaint, no problem. But if they are not, of course, they will take action,” he said.