The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing to take disciplinary action against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for alleged anti-party activities. This was confirmed by Umar Sani, Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Sani disclosed that the party’s newly formed disciplinary committee, headed by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi, has been tasked with investigating allegations of anti-party conduct leveled against Wike.
This move by the PDP marks a significant development in the ongoing internal crisis facing the party, which has seen tensions rise between Wike and other senior party members.
The PDP has been grappling with internal conflicts, especially following the 2023 presidential election, where divisions became more pronounced. Wike, a prominent figure in the party and former governor of Rivers State, is now being accused of working against the party’s interests, especially during the run-up to the election.
According to Sani, the disciplinary committee will address Wike’s alleged violations of party rules. “The issue has been oversimplified, with many framing it as a clash between Abubakar Atiku and Nyesom Wike,” he said during an interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show.
Sani further clarified that while the conflict might have appeared as a personal rivalry between Wike and Atiku, the real driving force behind the disciplinary action was the PDP Governors’ Forum. He explained that the Forum had been inactive for some time but has now taken steps to resolve the party’s internal crisis.
In September, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, revealed during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily that Wike had been summoned to appear before the Tom Ikimi-led disciplinary committee. Abdullahi noted that the committee was formed to investigate petitions regarding anti-party activities that were filed against Wike and other members.
“Three weeks ago, we put two committees in place, one for reconciliation and the other for disciplinary action,” Abdullahi explained. “Nyesom Wike is one of the persons to face the disciplinary committee, which is headed by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi.”
The disciplinary committee has been charged with reviewing cases of alleged sabotage and actions that undermined the party, particularly during the PDP presidential primaries and the 2023 election campaign.
Wike’s recent actions have drawn criticism from within the PDP, with several party members accusing him of working against the party’s interests. The former governor has been accused of publicly criticizing the party’s leadership and supporting candidates from rival political parties during the 2023 general elections.
Party insiders say Wike’s decision to work closely with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his vocal opposition to the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 campaign have contributed to the growing calls for disciplinary action.
Wike, known for his outspokenness, has not shied away from criticizing the PDP in recent times. His actions, particularly during the election period, have raised questions about his loyalty to the party.
Many party members believe that Wike’s behavior has caused significant damage to the PDP’s unity and that it is time for the party to hold him accountable.
According to reports, the PDP has received several petitions from members who have expressed concern over Wike’s continued membership in the party. These petitions, which have been forwarded to the disciplinary committee, highlight various instances where Wike allegedly worked against the party’s objectives.
“Some party members even felt that Wike shouldn’t have gotten to this level still as a member of the PDP,” Abdullahi said, referring to the growing discontent within the party ranks.
Sani emphasized that the PDP Governors’ Forum had taken an active role in addressing the internal crisis. The Forum, which had been largely dormant in recent months, has now reawakened and is pushing for a resolution to the conflict.
“The Governors’ Forum is actively working to resolve the crisis,” Sani said. He noted that while the court might prevent the immediate removal of party officials, it does not stop the PDP from suspending or disciplining members who violate party rules.
The involvement of the Governors’ Forum is seen as a significant step in restoring unity within the PDP, as the Forum wields considerable influence within the party’s decision-making process.
Legal battles have played a major role in the internal conflict within the PDP. Some party officials have sought court orders to prevent their removal, further complicating efforts to restore stability within the party.
However, Sani explained that while court orders might protect certain individuals from being removed from office, they do not shield party members from disciplinary measures.
He pointed out that the PDP remains committed to maintaining internal discipline and ensuring that all members adhere to the party’s rules and regulations.
