Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Wednesday as the 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja saw FCT Minister Nyesom Wike assert firm control over the party, insisting his faction will lead any reconciliation from a position of strength.
Riding on the momentum of Monday’s Court of Appeal ruling, which upheld the legitimacy of the current caretaker leadership, Wike made it clear that while his camp is open to reconciliation, any dialogue will take place from a position of strength.
“PDP will never die. There comes a time when you have crises, but those crises are for you to put yourself in order. Life is in stages. For me, what is happening is a natural process that we must pass through as humans. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation,” Wike told the gathering.
The FCT minister did not hold back in addressing ongoing peace efforts within the party, taking a pointed swipe at Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro over what he described as opaque approaches to negotiations.
“Minority leader, when you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms of reconciliation so that we will know. A concrete proposal, not like the last time you came to me, and before I knew it, you were in Ibadan for the convention. I don’t like those who go to negotiate at night and come out to shout in the day. Let those coming for peace come in the daytime and not at nighttime,” Wike said, urging transparency from his rivals.
“Minority leader, when you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms of reconciliation so that we will know. A concrete proposal, not like the last time you came to me, and before I knew it, you were in Ibadan for the convention. I don’t like those who go to negotiate at night and come out to shout in the day. Let those coming for peace come in the daytime and not at nighttime,” he said.
He further dismissed accusations that his role in the APC-led administration made him a “mole” within the PDP.
“It was as if I were the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration, but all the ones who accused me are today in APC, and I, whom they accused, have not left the PDP,” the minister noted.
Wike stood firm on the party’s upcoming national convention, rejecting any suggestions of forming a new caretaker committee to appease aggrieved members. He emphasised that the logistics for the transition are already finalised.
“The party is working hard for the convention to be held. They have paid the necessary fees. They have secured the venue. So, let no one bring up another suggestion to form another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. Convention must hold, and we will allow everybody to participate,” he asserted.
Addressing those threatening further legal action at the apex court, he remarked, “They said they are going to the Supreme Court; it is okay. The court is for everybody. Even in table tennis, one must lose. There is no tie in this game. We have the upper hand, and we will tell you this is what we want.”
Earlier, Senator Moro, while acknowledging Wike’s indispensable role in the party, pleaded for a middle ground.
He revealed he had met with the faction led by the Tanimu Turaki earlier in the day to seek a resolution.
“I bring you solidarity from the National Assembly. I want to reiterate very emphatically here that the NASS caucus of our great party has always been at the forefront of having a united PDP.
“Crisis has rocked the PDP for some time, and the NASS caucus under my leadership and Hon. Kingsley Chinda resolved that we must provide a platform so that we can act as one,” he said.
Moro urged members to prioritise the party’s survival over personal ambitions: “Whether I contest the election in 2027 or not, the survival of PDP is paramount to me. I cannot abandon it. Everybody should accept some level of sacrifice.”
In his remarks, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda described the Monday Court of Appeal judgement as a lifeline for the party’s future.
“For us, we are happy that the judgement of Monday is not just for the PDP but for democracy in the country.
“You have seen the exodus of our members in the past just because of the fear of the viability of the platform, but Monday’s judgement has laid all that to rest. We want to assure you that within a short time in the House of Representatives, you will see people defecting to the PDP,” he declared.
Chinda also echoed the need for fairness in the peace process, stating, “Yes, we crave peace, but whoever seeks peace must also seek justice. That is the only thing that can give us sustained peace.”
The chairman of the Imo State chapter of the party, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, who chairs the party’s Forum of State Chairmen, noted that the grassroots leadership is aligned with the current trajectory. He also urged the party to move towards technical modernisation of its membership ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“My colleagues who are state chairmen said they are very pleased with the way things are going on now in the party. We also wish to ask the party to critically examine the Amended Electoral Act, particularly regarding membership registration. We urge that the party take this very seriously,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by prominent party figures, including former governors Dr Samuel Ortom and Dr Ifeanyi Ikpeazu; Caretaker Committee Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed; Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu; and Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, among others.
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