The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that the party must reverse what he described as “injustice and impunity” before proceeding with its planned national convention in November.
Speaking during his monthly media chat on Sunday, Wike called for the immediate reinstatement of Chief Dan Orbih as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), insisting that the outcome of the South-South zonal congress held in Calabar must be respected.
“The Calabar congress was duly conducted and must stand. Dan Orbih remains the authentic National Vice Chairman. Anything short of that is an invitation to crisis,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor, who has become a central figure in the PDP’s internal wrangling, accused the party of violating its own rules and court orders. He warned that any attempt to sideline the South-South’s decision would be met with stiff resistance.
“You can’t talk about a convention while injustice still festers. They should resolve these issues first. Otherwise, they’re risking another round of chaos,” he said.
Wike also took a swipe at the PDP leadership over the handling of Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s status as National Secretary, describing the party’s disregard for court judgments as a symptom of a deeper malaise.
“The impunity in this party is becoming unbearable. Those who call themselves leaders flout court orders and create avoidable crises,” he said.
Despite remaining a PDP member, Wike reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, stating he would back the president if he decides to seek re-election in 2027.
“I’m a southerner. Why wouldn’t I support a competent southern candidate like Tinubu?” he asked. “Look at what he did on day one—removing fuel subsidy. That’s bold leadership.”
Taking further jabs at the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Wike criticised what he described as opportunistic political cross-carpeting.
“People jump from party to party, claiming they want to rescue Nigeria. Rescue what? From what exactly? Their own failures?” he queried.
Wike also defended his decision to support Tinubu during the 2023 elections, saying it was based on principle, not betrayal.
“I didn’t attend the PDP primary, and I made it clear I wouldn’t support Atiku. I stood for equity, fairness, and justice,” he said.
On the political turbulence in Rivers State, particularly the controversy surrounding local government transitions, Wike defended the appointment of sole administrators in the absence of elections, citing constitutional and judicial backing.
“You cannot allow vacuum in governance. If you don’t conduct local government elections, you appoint sole administrators. That’s the law,” he stated.
Addressing speculation about a possible PDP-APC alliance in Rivers, Wike said he was unaware of such an arrangement but insisted that political cooperation was not a crime.
“If leaders from both sides decide to work together for peace, what’s wrong with that?” he asked.
He also dismissed allegations of interfering in Labour Party affairs, clarifying that his recent meetings with governors from Edo, Ebonyi, and Kogi were routine political engagements.
“They’re my colleagues. I have the right to meet anyone. I’m not the cause of any crisis in Labour Party,” he said.
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