PDP: We’re in charge, will negotiate from position of strength – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike,has declared that whoever that is calling for reconciliation in the PeoplesDemocratic Party, PDP, must do so with honesty and sincerity, adding that hiscamp remained firmly in control of the party’s machinery. Buoyed by Monday’s Court of Appeal ruling that nullified theNovember 15 and 16, 2025 National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, and theFederal High Court, Ibadan judgement, which affirmed the current NationalCaretaker Working Committee leadership structure, Wike maintained that whilehis camp is open to reconciliation, it will only do so as a dominant force. “PDP will never die. There comes a time that you havecrises, but those grains are for you to put yourself in order. Life is instages. For me, what is happening is a natural process that we must passthrough as humans. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation”, hesaid. He challenged his rivals to be transparent about theirintentions and warned against clandestine maneuvers. Addressing Senate Minority leader, Abba Moro, Wike said;“when you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms ofreconciliation so that we will know. “Concrete proposal, not like the last time you came to meand before I knew it, you were in Ibadan for the convention. I don’t like thosewho go to negotiate at night and come out to shout in the day. Let those comingfor peace come in the daytime and not at nighttime.” He further dismissed accusations that his role in the AllProgressives Congress (APC) led administration made him a “mole” within thePDP. “It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I amworking in an APC administration, but all the ones who accused me are today inAPC, and me that they accused has not left the PDP,” the minister noted. Wike stood firm on the party’s upcoming National Convention,rejecting any suggestions of forming a new caretaker committee to appeaseaggrieved members. He emphasized that the logistics for the transition arealready finalized. “The party is working hard for the convention to hold. Theyhave paid the necessary fees. They have secured the venue. So, let nobody bringanother suggestion that we should form another caretaker committee. I won’taccept that. Convention must hold and we will allow everybody to participate,”he asserted. Addressing those threatening further legal action at theapex court, he remarked, “They said they are going to the Supreme Court, it isokay. The court is for everybody. Even in table tennis, one must lose. There isno tie in this game. We have the upper hand and we will tell you this is whatwe want.” Earlier, Senator Moro, while acknowledging Wike’sindispensable role in the party, pleaded for a middle ground. He revealed he had met with the faction led by the TanimuTuraki earlier in the day to seek a resolution. “I bring you solidarity from the National Assembly. I wantto reiterate very emphatically here that the NASS caucus of our great party hasalways been in the forefront of having a united PDP. “Crisis has rocked the PDP over some time and the NASScaucus under my leadership and Hon. Kingsley Chinda resolved that we mustprovide a platform so that we can act as one,” he said. Moro urged members to prioritize the party’s survival overpersonal ambitions: “Whether I contest election in 2027 or not, the survival ofPDP is paramount to me. I cannot abandon it. Everybody should accept some levelof sacrifices.” In his remarks, House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda,described the Monday Court of Appeal judgment as a lifeline for the party’sfuture. “For us, we are happy that the judgment of Monday is notjust for PDP but for democracy in the country. “You have seen the exodus of our members in the past justbecause of the fear of the viability of the platform, but Monday’s judgment haslaid all that to rest. “We want to assure you that within a short time in the Houseof Representatives, you will see people defecting to the PDP”, he declared. Chinda also echoed the need for fairness in the peaceprocess, stating, “Yes, we crave for peace, but whoever seeks peace must alsoseek justice. That is the only thing that can give us sustained peace.” Chairman of the Imo State chapter of the party, Hon. AustinNwachukwu, who chairs the party’s Forum of State Chairman, noted that thegrassroots leadership is aligned with the current trajectory. He also urged the party to move towards technicalmodernization in terms of party membership, ahead of the next electoral cycle. “My colleagues who are state chairmen said they are verypleased with the way things are going on now in the party. We also wish to askthe party to critically look at the Amended Electoral Act, particularly withmembership registration. We urge that the party takes this very serious,” hestated. The meeting was attended by prominent party figures,including former governors Dr. Samuel Ortom and Dr. Ifeanyi Ikpeazu; CaretakerCommittee Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed; Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanw

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