Makinde, Wike in battle for control of PDP at November convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is heading for another major showdown as its national convention holds on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The convention, where new members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will be elected, is expected to set the stage for a fierce contest between Governor Seyi Makinde and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The choice of Ibadan as venue, ratified at the 101st NEC meeting in July, followed weeks of controversy. Kano State was initially strongly favoured, but the decision to hold it in Makinde’s home state is widely seen as a major blow to Wike’s influence within the party.

The rivalry between Makinde and Wike—once close allies in the G5 governors’ rebellion against the presidential candidacy of former vice president Atiku Abubakar—has deepened since the collapse of the group following President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 victory. Wike has accused Makinde of betrayal, while Makinde has sought to consolidate his own base within the PDP.

Interest above loyalty

Analysts say the Ibadan convention could be decisive in determining the PDP’s future. Though weakened by Atiku’s exit alongside some governors and prominent leaders, the party still controls about 10 states and retains a strong presence in the National Assembly. The convention will test whether the PDP can rally and position itself as a viable opposition ahead of 2027.

According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the two-day congress will aim to resolve internal disputes and chart a path to unity.
“This will make us move closer as a strong political party, ready to reclaim its glory and fight to regain power in 2027,” Ologunagba said.

Schedule of activities

In a timetable submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and signed by National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will begin on September 3 and close on September 22. Completed forms must be returned by September 26.

Screening of aspirants is scheduled for September 30, with cleared candidates to be published on October 2. Appeals will be heard on October 6, while the final list of aspirants will be released on October 10.

With Makinde and Wike already on a collision course, the Ibadan convention is shaping up as a battle of titans that could either unite or further fracture the PDP.