By John Moses
Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence in the future of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), despite recent internal divisions and electoral setbacks.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with party stalwarts from across the country, Wike praised those in attendance as “true believers” in the PDP’s survival, contrasting their presence with what he described as superficial media loyalty from some quarters.
“We’re not here to make noise on television,” Wike said. “Everyone present is committed to reviving and sustaining our great party.”
The gathering in Abuja on Monday brought together senior PDP figures under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP,” including former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Samuel Ortom, and Okezie Ikpeazu, alongside Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s national secretary, and Senator Philip Aduda, the former Senate Minority Leader.
Wike, a former Rivers State governor and prominent member of the influential G5 governors’ bloc, defended the group’s past actions during the 2023 election cycle. He argued that their controversial stance had contributed to national political stability.
“Whether you like us or not, if the G5 hadn’t acted when we did, Nigeria could have been plunged into crisis,” Wike insisted. “Our focus was on doing what was right — not who stood to gain.”
He added that the PDP’s internal crisis could have been averted if its leadership had heeded the group’s calls to adhere to the party’s constitution and principles of internal democracy.
“We must not allow ego and greed to destroy this party,” Wike warned, calling for reconciliation and an end to factionalism.
Former Benue governor Ortom echoed Wike’s sentiments, stating, “Let anyone in Nigeria point to a greater contributor to the PDP than Wike.” He also suggested that President Bola Tinubu recognised Wike’s national influence and cross-party value, which led to his appointment as FCT Minister despite belonging to the opposition.
The meeting concluded with calls for unity, introspection, and a commitment to rebuilding the PDP into a credible and principled opposition force.
