The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that its elective National Convention will proceed as scheduled on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the National Convention Committee at the party headquarters in Abuja, acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, dismissed reports of division in the party.

He said, “Those against the convention are detractors who will not succeed. The PDP is alive and strong, and we are ready to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.”

The declaration comes less than 24 hours after a group of PDP leaders loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, met in Abuja and rolled out fresh demands for peace ahead of the convention.

The meeting, held on Monday night, was attended by former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) as well as the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and other party leaders.

Tagging themselves as Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, the group said it agreed with NEC’s adoption of the zoning committee’s report that the “status quo remains.” However, it strongly rejected any move toward micro-zoning.

Their communique read, “For peace and stability within the party, there should be no form of micro-zoning. The National Chairman must remain in the North-Central in line with the 2021 convention’s zoning arrangement.”

The Wike-backed group also demanded urgent congresses in states and zones where disputes persist.

Their resolutions include:

Fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses must be conducted in Ebonyi and Anambra States in line with subsisting court judgments.

A new and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress should be organised.

The outcome of the valid and legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, recognised by the courts, must be respected.

Ekiti State Local Government congresses should be conducted immediately in obedience to existing judgments.

According to the communique, the party stands at “a defining crossroads where its ability to reconcile internal disputes, uphold fairness, and respect constitutional processes will determine its future relevance.”

The leaders warned that unity cannot be achieved through exclusion or disregard for judicial pronouncements.

“A credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law,” the statement added.