Chidinma Iroegbu
A presidential aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Hashim, has warned that any attempt to stage a factional convention could further destabilise the party and threaten its survival.
Hashim cautioned a bloc loyal to Nyesom Wike against proceeding with a separate convention, describing the move as a direct risk to the party’s unity ahead of future elections.
He said both camps had previously agreed to pursue a unified convention, noting that the understanding was reached before a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal.
“I urge the Wike faction not to renege on the gentleman’s agreement already reached. This is about the survival and integrity of the PDP,” Hashim said.
The PDP chieftain alleged that the reconciliation process was disrupted by internal sabotage, which he described as actions of a “fifth columnist” working against the party’s collective interest.
He also raised concerns over alleged plans to alter the composition of state executive committees in Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Kano States, warning that such actions would violate party rules.
According to him, the tenure of state executives is fixed under the party’s constitution and cannot be changed arbitrarily without due process.
Hashim listed the recognised state chairmen as Raymond Dabo (Plateau), Adamu Ninga (Nasarawa), Edward Percy Masha (Kaduna) and Yusuf Ado Kibiya (Kano), insisting that their mandates remain valid.
He warned that creating parallel leadership structures in states without internal disputes could escalate tensions and weaken party cohesion at a critical political period.
Hashim urged all stakeholders to return to negotiations and finalise a harmonised leadership framework, stressing that only unity can restore the PDP’s strength, credibility and electoral competitiveness.