The escalating rift between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has plunged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deeper into crisis, casting doubt over the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27.
On Sunday, Wike officially withdrew from ongoing reconciliation efforts, accusing Governors Makinde and Peter Mbah (Enugu) of undermining the peace process. In a strongly worded statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” the former Rivers State Governor decried dishonesty and betrayal within the party, vowing to continue his fight until “justice is attained.”
Sources within the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) told The PUNCH that amid rising tensions, the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has convened an emergency meeting for Monday in Abuja to salvage the situation.
Saraki-Led Panel Scrambles to Rescue NEC
In a last-ditch effort to save the May 27 NEC meeting, the reconciliation committee headed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki held an emergency session with party stakeholders on Sunday night. The meeting aimed to prevent a further delay of the NEC session, which has already been rescheduled multiple times since April 2024.
The PDP, battling internal turmoil since before the 2023 general elections, is contending with disputes surrounding the South-South Zonal Congress, the National Secretary position, and now the North-Central Zonal Congress. The Saraki-led committee was formed in April to resolve lingering issues and set a definitive date for the NEC.
However, Wike’s camp, which includes Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Taraba), is reportedly upset that decisions by the NWC and PDP Governors’ Forum — allegedly influenced by Makinde, Mbah, and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) — are threatening the political balance in Rivers State and beyond.
Breakdown of Agreements and Accusations
According to Wike, a gentleman’s agreement had been reached at meetings in Lagos and at Saraki’s residence in Abuja, which affirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s position as National Secretary, among other resolutions. He accused Makinde and Mbah of violating the terms before the Saraki committee even commenced work.
Wike alleged that Makinde colluded with Mbah to push Ude Okoye as a replacement for Anyanwu, threatening that the South East would pull out of the PDP if their demand wasn’t met. He also claimed they orchestrated moves within the national secretariat to recognize the Deputy National Secretary in place of Anyanwu, leading to institutional confusion.
One flashpoint occurred on May 24 in Jos, where a PDP zonal congress was aborted after INEC declined to attend, citing improper authorization of the invitation letter not signed by the legally recognized National Secretary.
Wike lamented the situation as “provocative and distasteful,” accusing his detractors of weakening the PDP to the benefit of the ruling APC. “I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements. I will fight on until justice is attained,” he said.
Reactions: Party Divided Over Wike’s Role
Attempts to get reactions from Makinde and Mbah were unsuccessful. However, Saraki, through his media aide Yusuph Olaniyonu, downplayed Wike’s withdrawal, calling it a challenge that only underscores the need for more robust mediation.
Saraki also warned that the collapse of the PDP could spell the rise of a one-party state in Nigeria. “This is the only legacy party remaining from 1999. Letting it die would be a major blow to democracy,” he said.
Party Chapters Speak Out
State chapters of the PDP have expressed divergent views on the crisis:
- Ekiti: Caretaker Chairman Dare Adeleke accused Wike of acting against the party’s interests, claiming he is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party system.
- Ogun: PDP Secretary Sunday Solarin described Wike as a disengaged member, adding that his actions indicate a desire to defect to the APC.
- Gombe: Chairman Mamman Kwaskebe dismissed Wike’s influence, stating, “We as a party will not succumb.”
- Bayelsa: Chairman Solomon Agwanana said Wike is openly working for the APC and should leave the PDP.
- Bauchi: Publicity Secretary Dayyabu Ciroma said Wike’s “days are numbered” in the PDP.
- Anambra: Former Deputy Publicity Secretary Osita Madu accused Wike of deliberately weakening the PDP to justify his alliance with the APC.
BoT and NEC at a Crossroads
A notification signed by PDP National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, confirmed that the BoT will meet on Monday at the NEC Hall in Abuja. Sources suggest this meeting is crucial and may determine whether Tuesday’s NEC meeting goes ahead.
According to an insider, “Wike’s faction is working hard to stop the NEC, possibly through legal injunctions. Meanwhile, Makinde’s camp is pushing for the meeting to proceed to legitimize their decisions.”
The coming days are expected to be decisive for the PDP as its leaders grapple with whether to hold the NEC meeting amid deepening divisions — or postpone again at the risk of further damaging the party’s credibility.
