The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has convened a strategic meeting with prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the banner of the Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, in a bid to resist the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for August 28.
The gathering, held on Monday, brought together influential figures within the PDP, including members of the G5 group and other party loyalists, with a firm resolve to prevent the party from what they described as further decline.
The national convention, proposed by PDP governors during a meeting in April in Ibadan, is intended to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC).
However, Monday’s meeting, according to insiders, was aimed at galvanizing opposition to the plan.
While it is unclear if Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, a member of the G5, was invited, his G5 colleagues Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) were all in attendance. Also present were PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda, current and former federal and state lawmakers, zonal leaders, and state party executives.
Addressing the gathering, Wike emphasized that those present were dedicated to reviving and safeguarding the future of the PDP.
“All of you here are those who are committed to the survival of our party not just on TV talking or on the newspapers talking but committed to the party at the various levels,” he said.
Wike credited the G5 governors with stabilizing the country during a politically turbulent period, despite widespread criticism.
“Today, this country is stabilised because of the activities of the G5 governors. You may like us, you may hate us, the truth of the matter is if G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis.”
“It doesn’t matter who the beneficiary was but the right thing had to be done and we still stand by that decision.”
He criticized the PDP leadership for ignoring critical advice, which he believes led to the party’s current struggles.
“If the party had listened to what we said, we won’t have been where we are today and we have continued to sound it to the party, let the constitution of the party and of the country be respected.”
“That, as an opposition party, we cannot continue to act with impunity. No opposition party acts with impunity.”
“Ours is to continue to placate people and bring them together, not to say they should go to hell. Let us not allow greed, let us not allow ego to kill our party.”
Wike also questioned the ongoing controversy over the position of the national secretary, pointing out precedents that suggest inconsistency in the party’s application of its rules.
He referenced Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, saying, “He was the chairman of the party in the state and he did not resign before contesting for governorship but only went back to resign after winning the election.”
Similarly, he noted that, “The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, also contested for the Kebbi State governorship and that he retained his seat, even after losing the election.”
Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom also spoke at the meeting, defending Wike’s contribution to the party and suggesting his influence was unmatched.
“He who pays the piper dictates the tune,” Ortom declared.
“Challenge anyone in Nigeria to tell Nigerians whoever had contributed to the growth of the PDP more than Wike.”
Ortom further added, “For whatever reason, PDP made a lot of mistakes and we are where we are today.”
He also linked Wike’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu as FCT Minister to national interest, arguing, “The president understood that the country could not be a one-party state, which was why he appointed Wike into a very sensitive position as FCT minister.”
As at the time of filing this report, the stakeholders’ meeting was still in progress behind closed doors.
