PDP Faction Regrets Supporting Wike, Apologises to Nigerians as APC Screens Rivers Aspirants Loyal to Fubara

 

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has publicly expressed regret over its past support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, admitting that the backing contributed to his rise in national politics.

 

The faction also issued an apology to Nigerians, saying it bears responsibility for providing Mr Wike with a political platform that, according to them, has now been used in ways that ridicule the party and advance personal interests allegedly aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

The statement was issued by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, in reaction to recent comments made by Mr Wike during his monthly media chat, where he questioned the legitimacy of rival PDP structures and made remarks about ongoing internal disputes.

 

In his remarks, Mr Wike had insisted that the faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed represents the authentic leadership of the PDP and challenged opposing groups, including the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, to demonstrate transparency in their operations. He also criticised the handling of party finances, including the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms.

 

He further escalated tensions by warning that any building in Abuja used by the Turaki-led faction for political activities could be sealed, a threat that has deepened the already widening internal crisis within the opposition party.

 

In response, the Makinde-aligned faction fired back strongly, describing Mr Wike as politically embittered and accusing him of becoming a liability to the party that once elevated him from local government chairman to governor and later minister.

 

The faction issued a rare public apology to Nigerians, stating that the PDP’s platform had inadvertently contributed to Mr Wike’s political rise.

 

According to Ememobong, the faction regretted that its support had helped elevate a figure they now accuse of damaging the party’s image nationally and internationally.

 

The statement further urged party members allegedly defamed by Mr Wike during his media chat to seek legal redress, insisting that no individual is above the law regardless of political standing.

 

It also addressed claims surrounding the existence of a “National Leader” position within the PDP, stating that no such office exists in the party’s constitution and dismissing suggestions that Mr Wike harbours ambitions for such a role.

 

On internal party finances, the faction accused the Wike-aligned bloc of collecting funds for nomination forms through private accounts, alleging irregularities in the ongoing preparation for the 2027 elections.

 

The faction also claimed that the Supreme Court judgment affecting the Turaki-led National Working Committee created a leadership vacuum, which it says necessitated the formation of an interim committee by the National Executive Committee.

 

Meanwhile, parallel preparations for the 2027 general elections continue within the PDP, with both factions reportedly releasing separate timetables and fee structures for aspirants. While the Turaki faction fixed presidential nomination forms at N100 million, the Wike-aligned bloc pegged its own at N51 million.

 

The deepening crisis has raised concerns over the legality of any future primaries, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) typically recognises only candidates produced by a unified and legally recognised party structure.

 

In a related political development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun screening aspirants in Rivers State, including individuals said to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

Reports indicate that Governor Fubara himself has passed through the APC screening process in Abuja, alongside several supporters positioning for legislative seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

 

Among those screened are Chijioke Ihunwo and Victor Oko-Jumbo, alongside other figures aligned with the governor’s political structure within the state.

 

However, the political landscape remains tense, as Mr Wike is reportedly opposing Governor Fubara’s re-election bid, with his loyalists also participating in the APC screening process, signalling complex cross-party alignments ahead of 2027.

 

The ongoing developments highlight the deepening political realignments in Rivers State and within the PDP, where internal divisions continue to shape strategies ahead of the next general elections.