The Crisis Within PDP: My Stand – By Nyesom Wike
Since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been in a constant state of turmoil, shifting from one internal conflict to another. At the root of these problems lies a deep erosion of trust and a lack of sincerity among key party members.
Several attempts have been made to restore order and rebuild confidence by urging respect for agreements and principles essential for party unity and progress.
As part of these efforts, the G5 convened in Lagos. During the meeting, I openly addressed Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, highlighting his role in the party’s troubles, specifically his disregard for previously agreed terms. Despite the tensions, we agreed to reconcile and push the party forward.
Following this, we held an expanded session in Abuja at Senator Bukola Saraki’s guest house, attended by Governors Makinde, Umaru Fintiri, Bala Mohammed, and Saraki himself. I made it clear that my issue with Governor Bala Mohammed was not personal but stemmed from his misuse of the PDP Governors’ Forum chairmanship to repeatedly backtrack on agreements. The meeting became heated but ultimately led to several resolutions, including:
Upholding the Supreme Court ruling that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains PDP National Secretary.
Mandating the National Legal Adviser to withdraw all legal actions related to Rivers State.
Dismissing any consideration of a state of emergency.
Insisting that all parties stick to these resolutions.
They urged me to join the stakeholders’ meeting at the Bauchi Government Lodge, which I attended, reiterating my earlier positions. A reconciliation committee chaired by Senator Saraki was established to address lingering disputes.
However, before the committee could begin its work, the agreements were already being undermined. Seyi Makinde, in collaboration with Enugu State Governor Peter Mba, allegedly influenced a gathering of South-East PDP leaders to push for Ude Okoye’s adoption as Secretary—threatening withdrawal from the party otherwise. I have since publicly stated that such a resolution is invalid.
Further acts of bad faith followed, including efforts to install the Deputy National Secretary as acting Secretary in defiance of our agreement. A letter issued by this Deputy called for a National Executive Committee meeting, while a legitimate communication, co-signed by Senator Anyanwu and the acting National Chairman, confirming our Anambra governorship candidate, was discredited by a counter-letter from the National Publicity Secretary—allegedly under instructions from Makinde and Mba.
These actions contradict our agreed terms and only serve to further destabilize the party. For example, on May 24, 2025, INEC declined to attend the North-Central zonal congress in Jos due to an improperly signed invitation letter. This failure, caused by non-compliance with legal party procedures, was both embarrassing and unacceptable.
I lay out these facts for the benefit of party members and the Nigerian public. I’ve been loyal to the PDP since 1998, dedicating my energy and resources to its growth. Many of those causing today’s issues owe their positions to the support I provided, yet I have never demanded anything in return.
I had hoped for mutual trust among us, but it’s now clear that certain individuals are committed to playing divisive games. Given the current betrayal and the disregard for our shared goals, especially evident in the ongoing issues with the North-Central congress, I am withdrawing from all previous agreements.
I will continue to fight—not for personal gain, but in the pursuit of fairness and justice within our party.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
May 25, 2025
