The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that neither he nor his loyalists within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be used as bargaining chips in the ongoing internal turmoil threatening to tear the opposition apart.
Key Highlights:
- Wike Draws a Line, Slams PDP Leadership, Calls for Discipline and Justice
- The Minister reaffirmed that his group remained open to dialogue
Speaking in Abuja on Friday at his residence before a closed-door meeting with Concerned PDP Stakeholders, Wike reacted strongly to the recent court judgment that halted the party’s planned national convention. He warned that attempts to hijack the PDP’s leadership structure through what he described as “impunity and arrogance” would be fiercely resisted.
“Let me be clear,” Wike said, “nobody, and I mean nobody, will use us to negotiate for anything. We have sacrificed for this party, and we will not allow anyone to trade us off for personal gain.”
Among those present at the meeting were PDP National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Senator Philip Aduda, Hon. Micah Jiba, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and several members of the Board of Trustees. Others included lawmakers from the South East, South South, and North Central regions.
Wike described the current situation as one of “mixed feelings,” saying he was pleased that justice had prevailed through the court’s intervention but saddened that the party was being torn apart by internal greed and disregard for due process.
“Those of us fighting today are not doing it for ourselves,” he said. “We are doing it so that the PDP can stand for something, for fairness, discipline, and the rule of law.”
The FCT Minister accused certain PDP leaders of arrogance and insensitivity, arguing that such attitudes were destroying the same political house they helped build. “Leadership is not arrogance. When people act as though nobody else matters, they destroy what they once built,” he warned.
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Wike also took aim at politicians who believe that money can buy loyalty, insisting that integrity still matters in politics. “Some think money will solve everything. It won’t. There are people who cannot be bought,” he said.
He praised PDP members who went to court to challenge the planned national convention, applauding their courage despite facing threats and intimidation. “Many people give up once they are threatened. But these ones stood firm. I salute their courage,” he added.
Wike accused a clique within the PDP of illegally zoning party offices and manipulating congresses, saying such actions violate the PDP constitution. “A few people sit in their homes to decide who gets what and even pocket the money meant for party activities. It has never been this bad,” he lamented.
While reiterating his commitment to the unity of the party, Wike advised PDP governors to use state resources to improve governance rather than destabilize the party. “The funds available today are more than ever before. Use that money to build infrastructure, not to kill the PDP,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed that his group remained open to dialogue but would not be coerced into silence. “We are open to peace, but we will not be blackmailed. We will stand for truth and fairness until justice prevails in the PDP,” he concluded.
The closed-door meeting, attended by stakeholders from all six geopolitical zones, continued late into the night, with a communiqué expected afterward.
