Wike Refuses to Abandon PDP, Warns Against 'Buccaneers and Vampires' Seeking to Hijack Presidency

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has once again reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring emphatically that he will not surrender the platform to what he describes as political “Buccaneers and Vampires.”

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike struck a defiant tone as he criticized elements within the party whom he believes are working against its interest, determined to claim its presidential ticket without regard for justice, fairness, or equity. He stated that his loyalty to PDP is rooted in principle, sacrifice, and a long-standing belief in the ideals of the party, not convenience or personal gain.

Throughout the discussion, Wike emphasized that if he had walked away from the PDP during its most turbulent period, those he referred to as Buccaneers and Vampires would have captured the party’s presidential candidacy. Instead, he chose to stay and resist their ambitions, insisting that his presence helped safeguard the party from being overrun by opportunists.

"Have I not predicted everything happening in PDP today?" Wike questioned, pointing out what he sees as the internal contradictions and moral failures within the party. He challenged the current leadership to reflect on the direction the party is heading, urging a return to genuine internal democracy and ideological discipline.

The FCT Minister did not mince words when he questioned the current posture of PDP as an opposition party. According to him, the party should be organizing itself as a credible and united alternative to the ruling party. Instead, he lamented, PDP appears disjointed and compromised from within, crippled by internal sabotage and factional interests.

Wike’s words were sharp and deliberate, directed at those within the party he accuses of destroying its electoral chances. He portrayed them as individuals motivated by personal ambition and greed, rather than the collective interest of the party or the nation. These elements, he warned, are working tirelessly to manipulate party structures in their favor while sidelining those who have genuinely invested in PDP’s growth and stability.

"I will not leave this party which I have done everything for," he declared. “If I had walked away, the Buccaneers and Vampires would have taken over completely. I refuse to give them that satisfaction.”

Describing his political journey within PDP, Wike recounted his many contributions, particularly in times of crisis. He reminded Nigerians of his role in keeping the party afloat after key defections, funding campaigns when the party lacked resources, and standing firm when others abandoned ship. For Wike, walking away from PDP now would not only be a betrayal of these efforts but a victory handed to the very forces he has fought to restrain.

He also hinted at his long-standing warnings to party members about the danger of ignoring internal reform. According to him, PDP’s current state is a direct consequence of leadership failure to address foundational issues early on. The Minister stressed that until these problems are corrected, the party will continue to struggle as a credible opposition force.

Wike’s remarks are likely to stir another wave of political tension within PDP, especially among factions that feel threatened by his influence and outspoken stance. His continued presence in the party, combined with his control of key political structures and alliances, makes him a formidable force that cannot be easily ignored.

While refusing to mention names, Wike’s metaphor of “Buccaneers and Vampires” paints a vivid picture of the kind of politics he is resisting. These are individuals, he implies, who operate in the shadows, feeding off the system without contributing to its survival. His firm declaration signals an ongoing internal battle for the soul of PDP, one that may define the party’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike closed by reiterating that he remains in the PDP not for personal gain but to defend the ideals upon which it was built. Until the “right thing” is done within the party, he pledged to continue resisting attempts by power-hungry actors to compromise the platform.

As the dust from his remarks settles, political observers are already speculating on what this could mean for upcoming party conventions and potential alignments. For now, one thing remains clear, Wike is not backing down. He intends to remain a central player in shaping the PDP’s destiny and defending it from those he believes are unworthy of its leadership.