***Cautions Against Exclusionary Politics
***Vows to Challenge Any NEC Meeting Held Without Sen. Anyanwu
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) steps up its efforts to restructure and regain strength ahead of the 2027 general elections, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the party against repeating past political blunders that contributed to its 2023 defeat.
Speaking during a media chat on Monday, the former Rivers State Governor expressed serious concerns about ongoing internal disputes and what he described as “exclusionary politics” that threaten to derail the party’s recovery process.
Wike pointed to the lingering controversy surrounding the party’s national secretaryship, insisting that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the legally recognized National Secretary until the party convenes a valid national convention.
“I will challenge the outcome of any National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held without Senator Anyanwu as secretary,” he declared, referencing the Supreme Court’s reversal of the appeal court judgment that had previously removed Anyanwu.
Wike criticized the PDP leadership for failing to act like a credible opposition party, accusing it of tolerating impunity and focusing on internal vendettas rather than political consolidation.
“No serious opposition party indulges in this level of impunity. That is expected from a ruling party. My only offence is serving as a minister in the APC-led federal government. Instead of focusing on rebuilding, they are obsessed with Wike,” he lamented.
He warned that the same internal divisions and political miscalculations that cost the PDP in 2023 are resurfacing.
“You’re about to play the same game again. That so-called smartness won’t help. I’ve said it before: selfish interest will destroy any organization. It’s time to stop before it’s too late,” he warned.
Although he declined to disclose the resolutions of the PDP governors and stakeholders’ meeting held Sunday night, Wike said simply, “I wish the party well.”
In a parallel move to revive its internal structures, the PDP on Monday inaugurated 39 new members into its Board of Trustees (BoT), a strategic decision aimed at revitalizing a board where more than half of the 127 members have become inactive.
BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, said the reconstitution marked a vital step in the party’s effort to reclaim its leadership position in Nigerian politics.
“This moment is particularly significant as we prepare to navigate the evolving political landscape. With unity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles, we will restore the PDP’s place as Nigeria’s leading party,” Wabara said.
The BoT, by virtue of Section 31(5) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), is mandated to serve as the conscience of the party, offering guidance on moral issues, resolving disputes, advising on policy, and safeguarding party assets.
Meanwhile, the PDP Governors’ Forum on Sunday also constituted a seven-member reconciliation committee led by former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. The committee is tasked with reconciling aggrieved factions and ensuring a smooth NEC meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025.
Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, emphasized the need to close ranks and remove all internal grievances.
“There are gaps, but this is an opportunity to mend fences. The Saraki committee will ensure we have a united front going into the NEC and the convention. These challenges, instead of weakening us, are helping us to emerge stronger,” he stated.
On the issue of defections, Governor Mohammed noted that while it reflects the democratic nature of the party, efforts are underway to consolidate its presence in key states.
“We will not abandon states where the PDP has historical strength and grassroots support. With a fair and transparent convention process, we are poised to produce the next generation of PDP governors,” he assured.
