The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has laid down new conditions for reconciliation within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasizing that recent decisions he deems unfair must be reversed before the party proceeds with its national convention in November.
Speaking in his monthly television interview, Wike specifically called for the reinstatement of Chief Dan Orbih as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), a position from which Orbih was recently removed.
Wike asserted that the South-South zonal congress held in Calabar, which confirmed Dan Orbih’s position, must be upheld without alteration. “If they don’t agree, that’s an error on their part,” he stated.
He warned that disregarding the outcome of that congress would amount to impunity and dissuaded the party from moving forward with the national convention before resolving these issues.
He recalled that when the congress was held, some party leaders, including the Acting National Chairman, questioned its legitimacy, but challenged them by asking, “Where are the PDP governors now?” Wike maintained that the congress was legitimate and backed by court rulings.
On President Bola Tinubu’s possible re-election in 2027, Wike expressed admiration, describing Tinubu’s leadership as bold, citing his removal of the fuel subsidy as an example of strong governance.
Wike affirmed his membership in PDP but said he would only support competent presidential candidates regardless of party affiliation.
Addressing internal PDP crises, Wike blamed impunity and refusal to obey court orders for the ongoing party troubles.
He cited the contested position of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary as an example. Despite these challenges, Wike pledged to continue fighting from within the party.
He also denied allegations of fomenting crisis within the Labour Party and explained that his meetings with governors from Edo, Ebonyi, and Kogi states were part of normal political engagements.
On issues relating to Rivers State, Wike defended the legality of emergency rule and appointment of sole administrators in the absence of local government elections.
Wike’s statements reflect a firm stance on party unity tied to justice and adherence to due processes within the PDP.
