Abuja, Nigeria—A significant schism has publicly erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Northern Elders Unity Forum has levied grave accusations, alleging that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his political allies are orchestrating a deliberate scheme to dismantle the party and systematically weaken opposition politics across Nigeria.
The explosive allegations were formalised in a communiqué issued following the Forum’s 18th General Meeting, where the elders unanimously reaffirmed their absolute confidence in the leadership of the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Iliya Umar Damagum.
The Forum vehemently condemned what they termed “desperate moves” by certain members to derail the forthcoming National Convention, which is critically scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on 15 and 16 November.
In a strongly worded statement, Abbas Sadauki, the National Secretary of the Forum, articulated an unwavering and “unanimous” decision to defend the party’s cohesion.
“No amount of political intimidation, blackmail, or lies against the unity of the party will stop the successful organization of the national convention in Ibadan,” Sadauki declared.
Mr. Sadauki further escalated the charge by directly accusing certain members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of actively colluding with external political forces to destabilise the party from within. He described those seeking to scuttle the convention as “mere jokers” and “predators unleashed against the collective interest,” adding a stern warning that their “unholy alliance with enemies of progress will soon end in political shame and regret.”
The Elders explicitly alleged that this current internal sabotage within the PDP is being directly fuelled by Minister Wike’s political influence and personal ambitions.
Amidst the swirling political turmoil, the Northern Elders Unity Forum expressed full solidarity with the current leadership, commending Ambassador Damagum and other loyal stakeholders for their steadfastness in steering the party toward a necessary revival ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Concluding their robust statement, the Forum issued a pertinent caution to the judiciary and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against any political actors allegedly attempting to manipulate national institutions with the specific intent of undermining Nigeria’s foundational democracy.
Reaffirming its absolute loyalty, the Forum maintained that the decision of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to proceed with the convention remains both binding and sacrosanct for all members.
