Our camp controls PDP’s structure, Wike boasts at NEC meeting

The internal power struggle within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Wednesday night during the party’s 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting organised by the Abdulrahman Mohammed faction in Abuja, with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, declaring that his camp remains firmly in control of the party’s structure.

Wike’s remarks followed Monday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the current caretaker leadership arrangement within the party.

Addressing party stakeholders, Wike said his faction was open to reconciliation but insisted that any peace effort must recognise the strength of his camp within the party.

“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,” he said.

The former governor of Rivers State also criticised the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, over what he described as a lack of transparency in reconciliation efforts, urging party leaders seeking peace to present clear proposals.

“Minority leader, when you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms so that we will know concrete proposals. 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 negotiate at night and come out to shout in the day,” Wike said.

He dismissed allegations that his role in the administration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) makes him a “mole” within the opposition party.

“It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration, but all those who accused me are today in APC, and I, whom they accused, have not left the PDP,” he said.

Wike also rejected suggestions that a new caretaker committee should be constituted ahead of the party’s national convention, saying preparations for the exercise were already advanced.

“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. The necessary fees have been paid and the venue secured. So let no one bring up another suggestion to form another caretaker committee. I will not accept that. The convention must hold, and everyone will be allowed to participate,” he noted.

Responding to threats by some party members to challenge the appellate court’s ruling at the Supreme Court, Wike said the legal process was open to all but maintained that his faction currently holds the advantage.

“They said they are going to the Supreme Court. That is fine. The court is for everybody. Even in table tennis, one must lose. There is no tie in this game. We have the upper hand,” he added.

Earlier, Moro acknowledged Wike’s influence in the party and called for compromise among the contending factions.

He said the caucus of PDP lawmakers in the National Assembly had been working to promote unity within the party.

“I bring you solidarity from the National Assembly. I want to reiterate very emphatically that the NASS caucus of our great party has always been at the forefront of efforts to ensure a united PDP,” Moro said.

He disclosed that he had earlier met with the faction led by Tanimu Turaki in a bid to resolve the dispute.

According to him, party members must prioritise the survival of the PDP over personal ambitions.

“Whether I contest the election in 2027 or not, the survival of the PDP is paramount to me. Everybody should accept some level of sacrifice,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, described Monday’s appellate court ruling as a positive development for the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

“For us, we are happy that the judgment of Monday is not just for the PDP but for democracy in the country,” he said.

Chinda added that the ruling had restored confidence in the party’s viability and could attract new members.

“You have seen the exodus of our members in the past because of fears about the viability of the platform, but Monday’s judgment has laid that to rest. Within a short time in the House of Representatives, you will see people defecting to the PDP,” he said.

He also emphasised that lasting peace within the party must be anchored on fairness and justice.

“Yes, we crave peace, but whoever seeks peace must also seek justice. That is the only thing that can give us sustained peace,” Chinda said.

Chairman of the Imo State chapter of the PDP, Austin Nwachukwu, who also heads the party’s Forum of State Chairmen, said grassroots leaders were largely satisfied with the current direction of the party.

He urged the party leadership to begin preparations for improved membership registration ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in line with provisions of the amended Electoral Act.

“My colleagues who are state chairmen said they are pleased with the way things are going in the party. We also urge the party to critically examine the amended Electoral Act, particularly regarding membership registration,” he said.

The meeting was attended by several party leaders, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu; caretaker committee chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed; secretary Samuel Anyanwu; and Board of Trustees chairman Mao Ohuabunwa, among others.