Okay News reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) risks disintegration if its governors continue to exclude him from key decision-making processes.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike expressed disappointment over being sidelined despite his major contributions to the party’s development and success over the years.
He said, “Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party.”
The minister questioned the rationale behind his exclusion from crucial consultations merely because he no longer occupies a governorship position.
“I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he queried.
Wike further stressed that his long-standing commitment to the PDP should earn him a voice in the party’s internal affairs, regardless of his current office. “Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not,” he added.
Reacting to speculations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) might be responsible for PDP’s internal discord, Wike dismissed such claims as baseless. “All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it the APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?” he said.
He also criticised the PDP leadership for delaying its national convention, accusing it of failing to complete necessary congresses and other preparatory activities. “If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” Wike stated.
The PDP has been battling several internal disputes in recent months, with reports of defections involving top members including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno. The party also faces pending court cases over its planned national convention.
Political observers believe Wike’s comments underscore the deepening leadership crisis within the opposition party as it struggles to regain national relevance ahead of the 2027 elections.