PDP crisis deepens as Wike’s men dissolve N’West, S’West

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) assumed a new twist, yesterday, with the caretaker committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announcing the sack of the party’s Zonal Working Committees (ZWCs) in the South West and North West geo-political zones.

The spokesman of the caretaker committee, Jungle Haruna Mohammed, who disclosed this, after a meeting of the committee, also announced the dissolution of the Plateau State executive of the party.

Mohammed explained that the caretaker committee, at its meeting, adjusted the date for the national convention, noting that the exercise would now be held from March 28 to 30.

The PDP has been enmeshed in crisis, shortly after the last general election, following a tussle between Wike and governors elected on the platform of the party, over the control of party machinery, ahead of the 2027 polls.

Last November, the immediate past National Working Committee (NWC) led by Umar Damagum, with the support of the governors, held a convention in Ibadan, where a new leadership headed by Tanimu Turaki was elected.

The convention also announced the expulsion of the FCT minister and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, among others from the PDP over alleged anti party activities.

On the flipside, Wike’s loyalists constituted a caretaker committee headed by Mohammed to conduct a fresh convention.

Last December, the caretaker committee, which enjoys Wike’s support, announced the dissolution of State Working Committees (SWCs) in 14 states, including Borno, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Taraba, Kano and Lagos and scheduled fresh congresses in the affected states . There are currently several suits before the Court of Appeal on the leadership crisis in the party.

The spokesman of the caretaker committee noted, “recall that yesterday, during the NEC meeting, a date was announced for the national convention of the party, which was billed to hold on March 28 and 29.

“However, after careful consideration of certain factors, the date has been slightly adjusted for the convention to take place on March 29 and 30, instead of the earlier March 28 and 29.

“Secondly, the NEC working committee has equally dissolved the North-West, South-West, and Plateau State Zonal Committees. The zonal committees of the PDP will have a caretaker committee appointed soon.

“Furthermore, the timetable approved for the congresses in the states, zonal and ward congresses will take effect as approved by NEC.

“The National Caretaker Working Committee will consult widely before the announcement of the National Convention Planning Committee. These are the resolutions or major decisions that have been reached after today’s National Caretaker Working Committee meeting.”

The timetable signed by the National Organizing Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Umar Bature, indicated that the state, local government and zonal congresses would hold March 3, 7, 14 and 21, respectively.

Earlier, the chairman of the caretaker committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, while speaking before the meeting went into a closed session, said the panel was working towards an inclusive convention.

According to him, “We are working towards a peaceful and all-inclusive convention of our party. I am sure that members of the party are following developments and know that we are genuinely working to reposition this party.

“The party remains united, committed to bringing its members together and focused on forging ahead in preparation for future elections.

“This caretaker committee is also working in accordance with the PDP Constitution and electoral laws to organize an all-inclusive National Convention. So, as we move forward, our focus will continue to be on inclusiveness, transparency and ensuring that every member of the party has a voice in shaping the future of the PDP.”