The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that he is closely monitoring developments within the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying his involvement is motivated by a commitment to the party’s survival and success.
Wike made the remarks on Monday while addressing the 105th meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja. He emphasised that his concern extends beyond one state to the overall stability and progress of the party nationwide.
“Let me state clearly: my interest is in the survival and success of this party. I am also concerned about events in the Oyo State PDP. That is all,” Wike said.
During his address, the former Rivers State governor highlighted internal disputes, ongoing legal issues, and the need to reposition the PDP ahead of future elections. He dismissed claims that party members were being intimidated, arguing that recent court rulings had weakened such threats.
“Who can intimidate us to the end? By the grace of God, we are unshaken. The legal battles have collapsed. They have no choice but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” he stated.
Wike also warned against attempts by what he described as “vampires” seeking to hijack the party’s structure across the 36 states and the FCT, insisting that these efforts must be resisted.
The minister said the PDP is awaiting clear guidance from the Caretaker Committee, particularly regarding the conduct of delayed congresses, which are crucial for organising a credible national convention.
“They have no option. We await the Caretaker Committee’s direction on the next steps, especially to ensure overdue congresses are held, after which we move to the National Convention,” he said.
He urged PDP members to abandon a culture of entitlement, return to grassroots mobilisation, and engage directly with wards and polling units, cautioning against treating the party as a charity.
“Go to the wards. Go to the polling units. Forget the idea that this is a charity organisation. Many move around without political identity,” he advised.
Rejecting the notion that a party’s strength depends solely on having incumbent governors, Wike recalled his own political journey:
“Some believe if you are not a sitting governor, you are nothing. Who said that? I was not a governor when I rose within the party, yet I became governor.”
Despite the challenges, Wike maintained that the PDP remains a strong political force capable of recovery.
“The PDP is very strong. We must leverage our strengths and move forward,” he said, adding that party members must remain vigilant amid ongoing attempts to destabilise the party.
“Yes, the BoT has appealed for peace. Yes, the NWC has appealed for peace. But those of us following the process must be cautious and vigilant,” Wike warned.
He expressed confidence that attempts to undermine the party would fail, urging members to remain united.
“They will not give up until they think you are destroyed. But we will not be destroyed. Let us move forward,” he said.
Wike also highlighted the party’s internal expertise, citing its legal and organisational officers as key assets in navigating current challenges.
“We have competent Legal and Organising Secretaries. Experience matters. When combined, our efforts will yield results,” he said.
He concluded by thanking NEC members for attending at short notice and encouraged their continued commitment to rebuilding the PDP as a strong opposition party.
The PDP has scheduled its national convention for March 28–29, 2026, in Abuja to elect a new National Working Committee and other statutory organs. The decision follows a Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan, which nullified the party’s November 2025 convention and reaffirmed the Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu as the recognised NWC.
