The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued new terms for reconciliation within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that the party risks fresh turmoil if it proceeds with its planned national convention in November without first addressing what he described as “injustices and internal sabotage.”
Wike, who spoke during his monthly media chat aired live on a national television station, insisted that peace in the opposition party hinges on the immediate reversal of key decisions, particularly the purported removal of Chief Dan Orbih as PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South).
The former Rivers State governor, who has remained at loggerheads with the PDP national leadership since the fallout of the 2023 presidential primaries, said Orbih’s removal was both illegal and provocative. He warned that any attempt to disregard the outcome of the South-South zonal congress held in Calabar earlier this year would amount to “sheer impunity.”
“The South-South zonal congress that produced Dan Orbih was duly conducted and must be respected. You cannot arbitrarily remove him and expect people like us to keep quiet. If they want peace in the PDP, then they must start by correcting that error,” Wike said.
According to him, the Calabar congress followed all due processes, and any efforts to nullify its outcome would not be accepted. “There’s no ambiguity about it—Dan Orbih remains the National Vice Chairman (South-South). Anything short of that is an invitation to another round of crisis,” he declared.
He accused some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of working in tandem with certain governors to foist unpopular decisions on the party, saying it is the same attitude that cost the PDP the presidency in 2023.
“They are playing the same game that led us to defeat last time. You say you want to go for a national convention, but you are ignoring legitimate party structures. That’s impunity. Resolve the internal issues first, or forget the convention,” Wike warned.
He also lashed out at the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Iliya Damagum, whom he accused of failing to provide credible leadership and of deliberately misrepresenting the position of PDP governors on internal party affairs.
“When we held our South-South congress in Calabar, the Acting National Chairman claimed that PDP governors were not in support. Where are the PDP governors now? Are they not watching what is happening? Why are they silent in the face of obvious injustice?” he queried.
Wike further criticised what he called the “hypocrisy” within the PDP, alleging that some of those calling for party unity are the same people orchestrating internal sabotage. “You can’t be preaching peace and at the same time planting seeds of division,” he said.
On national politics, Wike reaffirmed his open admiration for President Bola Tinubu and gave the clearest indication yet that he may support the president’s re-election in 2027.
Asked if he would back Tinubu for a second term, Wike responded, “Why not? I’ve always said I believe in southern leadership. President Tinubu has shown courage and boldness. On his first day in office, he removed the fuel subsidy—something others were afraid to touch. That’s the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.”
He said the president has earned respect through his decisive leadership style, and argued that regional loyalty and competence must guide political choices going forward.
“I supported southern presidency in 2023 and I stand by that principle. If Tinubu chooses to run again and continues on this path, why wouldn’t I support him?” he said.
Wike’s latest remarks come amid speculation about his future political moves, especially given his cross-party alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite being a serving PDP chieftain.
Analysts say his growing support for President Tinubu and continued friction with PDP leadership suggest he may eventually make a formal break from the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections. For now, however, Wike insists he remains a committed PDP member—albeit one unafraid to speak truth to power.
“I’ve always fought for justice, equity and fairness. Whether it’s within my party or at the national level, I will always stand by what is right,” he concluded.
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