The political tension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Monday night as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, openly declared his interest in the affairs of the Oyo State chapter of the party.
Wike made the declaration while speaking at the PDP’s 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. During his speech, the former Rivers State governor also vowed to defend the party against what he described as internal “vampires” who are bent on weakening the PDP for personal gain.
His comments have further exposed the growing rift between him and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, both of whom were once close allies within the party.
Wike and Makinde were members of the influential G5 governors group that emerged ahead of the 2023 general elections. The group also included former governors of Abia, Benue, and Enugu states. They opposed the PDP presidential ticket arrangement and demanded internal reforms within the party.
Although the G5 worked together before the elections, their alliance collapsed soon after the polls. Since then, disagreements and power struggles have continued within the PDP, especially at the national and state levels.
The tension between Wike and Makinde has been linked to leadership and control issues within the party, particularly in the South-West and at the national secretariat.
Addressing party leaders, NEC members, and stakeholders at the meeting, Wike made it clear that his interest in Oyo PDP was not personal but tied to his concern for the future of the party.
“Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” Wike said.
He insisted that his statement should not be misunderstood as an attempt to intimidate or control anyone in the party. According to him, his focus is to ensure unity, stability, and growth within the PDP across the country.
Wike also spoke on the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, especially the dispute over the legitimacy of the party’s Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
He said recent court rulings had settled the matter and strengthened the position of the current leadership.
“The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” Wike told the gathering.
The PDP has been facing internal leadership challenges since the end of the 2023 elections. Disagreements over congresses, zoning, and control of party structures have led to court cases and deep divisions among party leaders.
Wike argued that the court decisions have now cleared the way for the Caretaker Committee to fully take charge and move the party forward.
In strong words, Wike accused some party members of trying to control the PDP across the 36 states and the FCT for selfish reasons.
According to him, such individuals are not interested in the success of the party but in using it for personal benefit.
“There are people who want to control everything in this party. They are like vampires feeding on the party’s problems,” he said.
He warned that allowing such actions to continue would weaken the PDP ahead of future elections.
Wike said the PDP must now focus on rebuilding its structures and preparing for a national convention.
“We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps, especially to ensure that congresses already due are conducted, after which we move to the National Convention,” he said.
The PDP has not held a full elective national convention since the end of the last election cycle. Many party members believe that holding congresses and a convention will help resolve internal disputes and restore confidence among supporters.
The FCT minister also used the opportunity to warn PDP members against what he described as a “charity mentality” in politics.
He urged party loyalists to build strong structures at the grassroots level instead of relying only on sitting governors or powerful figures.
“Go to the wards. Go to the polling units. Go to the grassroots. Forget the idea that this is a charity organisation,” Wike said.
He added that political relevance should not be tied to holding government office.
“Some people believe that if you do not have a sitting governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor when I became governor,” he said.
Wike’s comment appeared to be a reminder that political strength comes from organisation, loyalty, and grassroots support, not just access to power.
Wike acknowledged that the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Working Committee (NWC) have both appealed for peace among party members.
“Yes, the BoT has appealed for peace. Yes, the NWC has appealed for peace. That is their responsibility,” he said.
However, he warned that peace must go hand in hand with caution.
“But those of us following the process must be extremely careful,” he added.
His statement suggests that while reconciliation efforts are welcome, party leaders must remain alert to actions that could further divide the PDP.
Although Wike did not mention Governor Seyi Makinde by name, his comments on Oyo PDP have drawn attention to the ongoing tension between the two leaders.
Makinde, who is the only PDP governor in the South-West, is seen as a key figure in the region. His influence within the party has grown in recent years, especially after the 2023 elections.
Despite the internal crisis, Wike insisted that the PDP remains a strong and relevant political party in Nigeria.
He urged party leaders to rely on their collective experience to overcome current challenges and reposition the party for future success.
The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been trying to rebuild after losing the presidency in 2015 and again in 2023. Internal unity is seen as key to its chances in future elections.