Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he is responsible for internal rifts in the Peoples Democratic Party, insisting that he is strengthening, not sabotaging, the opposition party.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Wike addressed growing criticism over his role in the party’s ongoing leadership tussles and electoral uncertainty, particularly amid concerns that he is undermining the PDP’s structure.
When asked directly if he was tearing the party apart, Wike shot back: “No, I’m building it. Why are some people leaving? Their fear is ‘I don’t know who will sign our documents’, because the constitution says correspondence to INEC must be signed by the National Chairman or National Secretary.”
He highlighted the current confusion within the party over the legitimate holder of the National Secretary position and how that could jeopardize key electoral processes.
“Now you are having a quagmire of who will be the National Secretary. For example, area councils election which is conducted by INEC, who is going to sign the list by INEC?” he asked.
Wike warned that failure to follow constitutional procedures could render PDP decisions invalid and open to legal challenges, pointing to precedents.
“If Anyanwu is not signing and another person signs, they will go to court – if we really want this party to survive, why can’t we make sacrifice – let’s not put ourselves under this.”
The former Rivers State governor also issued a strong caution ahead of the party’s planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
“You want to host NEC – who issues the notice of NEC? If another person issues that notice, we will challenge it. If it’s not the National Secretary, I will challenge it because that’s the law, that’s Supreme Court judgment.”
Wike’s latest comments underscore the deepening cracks in the PDP’s leadership structure, as the party struggles to navigate internal disputes ahead of the next general election cycle.
PUNCH Online reported that the party’s serving and former governors set up a reconciliation meeting on Sunday night chaired by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Wike was also in attendance.