My Camp Controls PDP, We Won’t Shift National Convention — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains firmly in charge of the party’s structure and will not shift the scheduled national convention, despite ongoing calls for reconciliation from senior members.

 

Wike made the remarks while responding to appeals from party stakeholders urging unity amid the prolonged internal crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party. His comments came in the wake of a significant legal victory for his camp, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal (Nigeria) that nullified the PDP’s November 15–16, 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

 

The appellate court decision, combined with an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Ibadan which affirmed the current National Caretaker Working Committee leadership structure, has strengthened Wike’s position within the party.

 

“We Are Open to Reconciliation, But With Sincerity”

 

While acknowledging that the PDP has been facing internal turmoil, Wike insisted that the party remains strong and capable of resolving its differences. However, he emphasized that any reconciliation efforts must be genuine and transparent.

 

According to the minister, political crises are not unusual in party politics and should be viewed as opportunities for reflection and reform.

 

“PDP will never die. There comes a time that you have crises, but those crises are for you to put yourself in order,” Wike said.

 

He added that reconciliation must be pursued with sincerity rather than hidden political agendas.

 

“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.

 

Wike warned that those seeking peace within the party must come forward openly with concrete proposals rather than engage in behind-the-scenes negotiations.

 

Wike Challenges Senate Minority Leader

 

The FCT minister also addressed remarks made by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, who has been advocating dialogue among the party’s warring factions.

 

Wike challenged Moro and other PDP leaders calling for reconciliation to clearly outline their proposals so that meaningful negotiations could begin.

 

“When you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms of reconciliation so that we will know. Concrete proposal, not like the last time you came to me and before I knew it, you were in Ibadan for the convention,” Wike said.

 

He criticized what he described as secret negotiations within the party, urging leaders to engage in open discussions instead.

 

“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 and not at nighttime,” he added.

 

Rejects Allegations of Being an APC Mole

 

Wike also used the opportunity to dismiss long-standing accusations that his role in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), makes him a political “mole” within the PDP.

 

Despite serving as a minister in the APC-led federal government, Wike insisted he has remained loyal to the PDP.

 

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

 

His comments appear aimed at critics within the party who believe his alliance with the ruling party has deepened divisions in the opposition camp.

 

Firm Position on National Convention

 

A key point of contention in the ongoing crisis is the party’s upcoming national convention. Some members have proposed the formation of a fresh caretaker committee to manage the party before the convention takes place.

 

However, Wike firmly rejected such suggestions, insisting that preparations for the convention are already well advanced and cannot be reversed.

 

“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. They have paid the necessary fees. They have secured the venue,” he said.

 

“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.”

 

His stance underscores the determination of his faction to move forward with the current leadership arrangement rather than reopen negotiations about interim structures.

 

Supreme Court Threats Dismissed

 

Reacting to threats by opposing factions to challenge the appellate court ruling at the Supreme Court, Wike said his camp remains unfazed.

 

“They said they are going to the Supreme Court, it is okay. The court is for everybody,” he said.

 

Using a sports analogy, he suggested that legal disputes inevitably produce winners and losers.

 

“Even in table tennis, one must lose. There is no tie in this game. We have the upper hand and we will tell you this is what we want.”

 

Moro Calls for Unity

 

Earlier in the meeting, Senator Abba Moro acknowledged Wike’s significant influence within the PDP but appealed for compromise in order to preserve party unity.

 

Moro revealed that he had earlier met with another faction of the party led by former minister Tanimu Turaki in an effort to find a resolution to the crisis.

 

According to him, the PDP caucus in the National Assembly has consistently worked toward ensuring the party remains united despite the ongoing disputes.

 

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

 

He stressed that members must prioritize the party’s survival over individual ambitions, particularly as the country gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.

 

“Whether I contest election in 2027 or not, the survival of PDP is paramount to me. I cannot abandon it. Everybody should accept some level of sacrifices,” he added.

 

Appeal for Justice and Fairness

 

Also speaking at the gathering, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda described the recent Court of Appeal judgment as a positive development for both the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

 

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

 

He expressed optimism that the ruling would restore confidence in the PDP platform and potentially encourage former members who had defected to other parties to reconsider their decisions.

 

“You have seen the exodus of our members in the past just because of the fear of the viability of the platform, but Monday’s judgment has laid all that to rest,” he stated.

 

“We want to assure you that within a short time in the House of Representatives, you will see people defecting to the PDP.”

 

Chinda, however, emphasized that reconciliation within the party must be anchored on justice.

 

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

 

State Chairmen Back Current Leadership

 

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

 

Nwachukwu added that the party should begin preparations for future elections by strengthening its membership structure and adopting modern systems for registration and data management.

 

“My colleagues who are state chairmen said they are very pleased with the way things are going on now in the party,” he said.

 

He urged the party leadership to carefully study the amended Electoral Act and implement a more robust membership registration framework ahead of the next electoral cycle.

 

Prominent Leaders in Attendance

 

The meeting attracted several prominent PDP leaders, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu.

 

Others present included the Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, the party’s National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa.

 

Their presence highlighted the significance of the meeting as the party continues efforts to resolve its internal disputes and reposition itself ahead of future elections.

 

Despite ongoing disagreements, many stakeholders believe that the PDP still has the capacity to overcome its current challenges and remain a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.