…Opposition Parties Set Timelines for Key Conventions as INEC Deadline Looms
By Franklin Adole
Nigeria’s opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are moving into a critical phase of internal political activity, with both parties finalising arrangements for congresses and conventions amid efforts to strengthen their structures ahead of future elections.
In the PDP, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed suggestions of deep divisions within the party, insisting that there is no factional crisis as preparations intensify for its National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja after inspecting ongoing projects, Wike maintained that the PDP remains a single, unified entity despite ongoing reconciliation efforts.
“There’s only one PDP. It would be wrong for me to say there is any other camp. I am not aware of any separate camp,” he said, downplaying reports of internal rifts.
He acknowledged that disagreements are normal in political organisations but stressed that reconciliation talks were ongoing and would continue even beyond the convention.
“That there is a convention doesn’t mean there will be no reconciliation. Every process has its timeline,” he added.
Wike also pointed to the party’s electoral timetable, noting that primaries are expected to hold between April 23 and May 13 in line with provisions of the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While the PDP grapples with managing internal perceptions, the African Democratic Congress is pushing ahead with a structured timetable for its own congresses, following approvals by its National Executive Committee (NEC).
Addressing journalists after the NEC meeting in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced that congresses would begin at the polling unit and ward levels on April 7, followed by local government congresses on April 9 and state congresses on April 11.
The process will culminate in the party’s National Convention scheduled for April 14 in Abuja.
Abdullahi described the NEC meeting as well-attended and productive, noting that key reports, including those of the Policy and Manifesto Committee and the Constitutional Review Committee, were adopted and would be presented at the convention.
He clarified that the upcoming convention would not be elective but would instead ratify decisions already taken by the party’s leadership organs, while elections into party offices would be conducted during the congresses across various levels.
“The process is open, transparent, and accessible to all qualified members,” he said, adding that guidelines and forms had already been distributed nationwide to ensure inclusiveness.
The party also confirmed the presence of INEC representatives at the NEC meeting, lending credibility to the proceedings.
In his remarks, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, called for unity, discipline, and adherence to democratic principles, urging members to subordinate personal interests for the collective good of the party.
“Our task is clear—to reposition the ADC as a formidable platform for national renewal and inclusive governance,” Mark said, while emphasising the need to expand grassroots engagement and national appeal.
He commended party stakeholders for choosing dialogue despite internal challenges, stressing that cohesion remains critical to the party’s growth.
Analysts say with both the PDP and ADC entering decisive organisational phases, attention is now on how effectively each party manages internal dynamics, builds consensus, and positions itself as a viable political force in the evolving national landscape.