By Our Correspondent

National News – The national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is holding on Sunday in Abuja amid a growing leadership crisis that has split party stakeholders across several states.

The convention, organised by the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is expected to bring together about 2,500 delegates at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome.

The gathering aims to confirm key members of the National Working Committee and determine the party’s leadership direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, disagreement over the legitimacy of the convention has exposed deep divisions within the party.

The Chairman of the PDP in Edo State and leader of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, Tony Aziegbemi, warned members against attending the event, citing an ongoing case before the Supreme Court.

According to him, proceeding with the convention before the court’s decision would undermine the rule of law and could deepen the party’s internal conflict.

Similarly, the Sokoto State chapter announced it would boycott the convention.

The state Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sanyinawal, said the chapter would remain neutral in the leadership dispute, stressing that while they remain members of the PDP, they do not align with any faction.

Despite the boycott by some factions, other state chapters have declared their readiness to participate.

The Kwara State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Isa Bawa, said stakeholders agreed after extensive deliberations to send delegates to the Abuja convention.

He noted that the outcome of the meeting would shape the party’s next political steps.

In Kebbi State, the party’s Secretary, Abubakar Kalgo, confirmed that delegates had been mobilised and were prepared for the convention scheduled to run from Sunday to Monday.

Likewise, Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi said the state chapter would attend the gathering.

The convention is expected to formally affirm Acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and 17 other officials as members of the National Working Committee.

Meanwhile, the crisis widened as leaders aligned with the camp reportedly backed by Kabiru Turaki announced they would not attend.

According to party spokesperson Ini Ememobong, governors including Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, as well as Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, have distanced themselves from the convention.

Despite the tensions, Wike expressed optimism that reconciliation efforts would continue after the convention and insisted the PDP would remain a strong political force ahead of the 2027 elections.