A document that was leaked yesterday revealed that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), may not have been truthful regarding his assertion that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not extend an invitation to him for its upcoming elective convention set for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
It is important to note that Wike, during an interview with the news outlet, had pledged to contest the plan along with his allies in the party, who he mentioned would convene on Wednesday (yesterday) to assess the decision he labeled as “injustice.”
He stated: “I am not aware that they are organizing a convention in Ibadan. As a member of the NEC, I have not been informed, and no one has invited me to a NEC meeting. If those individuals who are collaborating as a team claim they are conducting a NEC meeting, so be it. If I have not received any notice of a meeting as a NEC member, I have every right to contest that, and no one can take away my rights.”
Nevertheless, the leaked memorandum indicated that the former governor of Rivers State was indeed invited, as evidenced by a letter dated July 10, 2025.
The correspondence was signed by the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and directed to Wike on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP.
Anyanwu notified the minister that the NEC meeting was scheduled to take place at the PDP NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
The letter confirmed that it was received by the Office of the FCT Minister, and it was also stamped and signed on July 18, 2025.
In the meantime, the PDP has stated that the difficulties currently experienced by Nigerians will significantly influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.
The party’s Spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, while addressing a media briefing in Abuja, remarked that Nigerians have become “wiser” and would not reinstate the APC to power in the 2027 elections.
In a recent development, despite increasing pressure on the PDP to allocate its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a coalition of young female traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, called upon former presidential aspirant from the North-Central, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, to enter the race following his recent return to the party.
Murjanatu Idris, an indigene of the FCT and the leader of the association, articulated on behalf of the group that Nigerian youths are yearning for a departure from the “recycled names and faces” that have long dominated the political landscape.
The traders expressed that zoning has contributed little to the enhancement of Nigeria’s democracy, instead hindering capable individuals from taking on governance roles.
“There can never be a better option than Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim. The youth in the nation are weary of the same old names and faces that have yielded minimal or no progress. We require fresh energy, vision, and sincerity of purpose, all of which we perceive in Gbenga,” stated Murjanatu.
She characterized Olawepo-Hashim as one of the youngest voices among political figures such as Jerry Gana, Sule Lamido, Abubakar Rimi, and Sunday Awoniyi, who valiantly fought for the democracy that Nigeria enjoys today.
Idris, referencing Olawepo-Hashim’s recent media interview, commended his articulation of national issues, deeming it evidence of his depth, patriotism, and vision for the future.
“That interview distinguished him as a leader who genuinely cares for the country’s interests. His words resonated with us as young traders who experience the ramifications of Nigeria’s economic and political decisions daily in the marketplace,” she remarked.
The traders also revealed their intention to formally endorse Olawepo-Hashim as their favored candidate for the 2027 elections by September 2025.
“Our endorsement will be both public and emphatic. We have faith in his ability to unify Nigeria, restore dignity to governance, and implement policies that will empower ordinary citizens, particularly women and youths.
