Wike Gives Fresh Conditions for Peace in PDP, Demands Reversal of Key Decisions and Upholding of South-South Congress

 

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has made fresh demands for reconciliation within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that for peace to return to the troubled party, certain decisions, including the removal of Chief Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman (South-South), must be revisited and reversed. Speaking candidly during his monthly television interview, Wike emphasized that the PDP’s upcoming national convention, scheduled for November, should not proceed until these grievances are addressed.

Wike, known for his outspokenness and strong political stance, clearly articulated his position on the issues that have caused rifts within the party. He declared that the South-South zonal congress held in Calabar, which resulted in Orbih’s election as the region's National Vice Chairman, must be upheld. To Wike, this congress represented a legitimate and lawful process, and any attempt to invalidate it would be viewed as nothing short of impunity.

For Wike, the matter is simple: "Dan Orbih remains the National Vice Chairman for South-South," he said. He stressed that those opposing this stance would be making a grave error that could push the party into further disarray. "If they don’t agree, that’s an error on their part. If they want another round of crisis, so be it," he warned, making it clear that his support for the party hinges on justice being done within its ranks.

As tensions within the PDP continue to escalate, Wike pointed to the internal squabbles as the primary source of the party's dysfunction. He blasted the party's leadership for disregarding the outcome of the congress in Calabar, and in no uncertain terms, stated that it must be respected. "Our South-South zonal congress that was held must be upheld. There’s no doubt, no two words about it," Wike firmly asserted.

He also took aim at the acting National Chairman of the PDP, questioning the credibility of claims that the party’s governors were not in support of the national congress. Wike provocatively asked, “Where are the PDP governors now?” implying that the current leadership’s position lacked the backing it claimed.

While Wike’s commentary on the PDP’s internal struggles was sharp, he also addressed broader political issues, including his admiration for President Bola Tinubu. Despite his loyalty to the PDP, Wike revealed that he would not support any presidential candidate, irrespective of party, who lacked the necessary competence. This openness about his political stance was apparent when he praised Tinubu’s leadership, particularly the President's bold move to remove the fuel subsidy on his first day in office. Wike called this decision a display of "courage and conviction," acknowledging that it took strong leadership to tackle such a sensitive issue head-on.

Regarding the prospect of supporting Tinubu in the 2027 elections, Wike left no room for ambiguity. He made it clear that if the President were to run again, he would have no qualms about supporting him. "Why wouldn’t I support a southern candidate, or even President Tinubu, if he’s running again?" Wike asked rhetorically, explaining that his endorsement of Tinubu’s previous candidacy in 2023 was based on the belief that he had the better capacity to lead the nation.

However, Wike also took aim at the political maneuvering of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of opportunistic defections that undermined the unity of the PDP. He criticized the pattern of Atiku’s shifting allegiances, asking, "Rescue what? From what?" Wike’s frustration with Atiku’s political inconsistency was palpable as he described how certain politicians bounce from one party to another in search of personal gain. For Wike, it is the selfishness and lack of principle in these defections that is detrimental to the country’s political health.

The internal crisis within the PDP was another focal point of Wike’s interview. He accused the party’s leaders of fostering an environment of impunity by ignoring both internal party rules and court rulings. A key example cited was the case of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, whose position as National Secretary was contested despite a court ruling in his favor. According to Wike, such disregard for judicial decisions only exacerbates the party's problems.

"I will remain in the PDP and fight from within," he vowed, indicating that despite his criticism of the party’s leadership, he was committed to addressing the challenges from the inside. He also shared his thoughts on the contentious issue of local government elections in Rivers State, defending his decision to appoint sole administrators under emergency rule as a constitutional necessity. "If you don’t conduct elections, local governments can’t access federal allocations. That’s why elections must be held, even under emergency rule," he explained.

Wike’s comments also touched on political alliances, particularly speculation regarding a potential PDP-APC power-sharing arrangement in Rivers State. While he denied any direct involvement in such talks, he stressed that cooperation between politicians from different parties should not be viewed negatively if it serves the greater good. "If leaders from both parties sit down to say, ‘let’s not fight,’ what’s wrong with that?" he asked, framing such collaboration as a positive step toward peace rather than conflict.

In his own words, Wike made it clear that his commitment to the PDP is not blind loyalty but rooted in a deep sense of justice and integrity. His demand for respect for the Calabar congress and his insistence on holding the party leadership accountable for its actions reflect his belief that only through fairness and consistency can the party truly heal.