***Says he won’t attend any ‘illegal’ convention
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has slammed the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of deliberately weakening the opposition and blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for their self-inflicted crisis.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike rejected claims that the APC was sabotaging the PDP, insisting that the party’s internal wrangling is entirely the making of its present managers.
“When Buhari was in power, there was nothing the government did not do to scatter the PDP,” Wike said. “But we stood firm and made sure the party was strong. Now, there is no attempt by any government to pull PDP down you are the one destroying the party yourselves.”
The former Rivers State governor said no governor in recent history faced the intensity of political warfare he endured, yet he remained loyal to the party.
“Every day you say APC. Are you telling me it is the ruling party that should beg you to put your house in order so we don’t have a one-party state? Who does that?” he asked.
On the planned PDP National Convention, Wike declared he would not attend any gathering that violates the party’s constitution.
“If a proper convention is to be held, why won’t I go? But I won’t go to a convention I know is illegal. How do you expect me to attend a convention that is not valid in law?” he said.
Wike also dismissed claims that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is rebuilding the party nationwide.
“In which state has he galvanised the support when we are losing governors every day?” he queried.
He further denied supporting former President Goodluck Jonathan for a comeback.
“Jonathan has never called me to say he is being pressured to run,” Wike said. “If he does, I will tell him my mind.”
Addressing reports that he has been listed as a witness in Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, Wike said he has received no official notice.
“Nobody has served me any process. Nobody has subpoenaed me,” he stated. “If I am invited, I will obey the court not because I saw my name on the pages of newspapers.”
Wike said his priority remains restoring order, security and development to the Federal Capital Territory.
“Some may not like the decisions, but we are not here to do what is convenient we are here to do what is right for the FCT,” he declared.
