Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains firmly under the control of his camp, stressing that reconciliation efforts must be driven by honesty and transparency.
He also dismissed speculations about rescheduling the party’s forthcoming national convention, insisting it would hold as planned on March 29 and 30.
Speaking yesterday at the 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja, Wike maintained that the recent Court of Appeal ruling, which nullified the November 2025 convention held in Ibadan, had vindicated his faction’s position. He said his group was open to reconciliation only from a position of strength.
“PDP will never die. There comes a time you have crises, but those challenges are opportunities to put yourself in order. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation,” Wike said.
The former Rivers Governor warned against what he called “midnight negotiations,” accusing some party figures of insincerity in past peace moves.
“When you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms so we know. Not like the last time when you came to me and later went to Ibadan for the convention,” he said in apparent reference to Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro. “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.”
Wike also rejected insinuations that his work in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal administration made him a mole within the PDP.
“It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration. But those who accused me are now in the APC, while I remain in the PDP,” he said.
On preparations for the forthcoming national convention, he disclosed that all arrangements had been concluded and warned against suggestions to constitute another caretaker committee.
“The party is working hard for the convention to be held. Fees have been paid, the venue secured. So let nobody bring another suggestion that we should form another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. Convention must hold and we will allow everybody to participate,” he asserted.
He also addressed threats by aggrieved members to take the matter to the Supreme Court, saying the PDP camp he leads remained confident.
“They said they are going to the Supreme Court; it is okay. The court is for everybody. Even in table tennis, one must lose. We have the upper hand and will tell you what we want,” he said.
“Crisis has rocked the PDP for some time, but the National Assembly caucus under my leadership resolved that we must act as one,” he said. “Whether I contest election in 2027 or not, the survival of the PDP is paramount. Everybody should accept some level of sacrifices.”
House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, described Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment as a lifeline for the party’s survival.
“The judgment is not just for the PDP but for democracy. It has restored confidence in our platform and you will soon see defections back to the PDP,” he said, while also insisting that “true peace cannot exist without justice.”
Imo State PDP Chairman and Chairman of the Forum of State Chairmen, Austin Nwachukwu, said the grassroots leadership supported the current direction of the national leadership. He called for modernisation of the party’s membership system ahead of future elections.
“We urge the party to critically examine the Amended Electoral Act, especially as it concerns membership registration,” Nwachukwu said.
The NEC meeting was attended by prominent figures, including former Governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, Caretaker Committee Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu and Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
Credit: The Sun