A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party aligned with Seyi Makinde has openly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as controversial and inappropriate remarks made during a recent media appearance.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the group, speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, condemned Wike’s comments, accusing him of making reckless statements and attacking respected Nigerians without restraint.
The development marks a fresh twist in the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP, one of Nigeria’s major political parties, as divisions among its leaders continue to widen ahead of future political activities.
In the statement, the Makinde-aligned faction described Wike’s media outing as an “unsolicited display of political recklessness,” adding that it lacked decorum and did not reflect the values expected of a public office holder.
The group further alleged that the media engagement was publicly funded, raising concerns about the use of government resources for what it considered a controversial appearance.
“It was a performance full of sound and fury, signifying nothing,” the statement said, suggesting that the minister’s remarks did not contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
Rather than directly responding to the substance of Wike’s claims, the faction said it chose to focus on what it described as a moral responsibility to Nigerians. It apologised for previously supporting Wike’s political rise, including his tenure as governor and his current role as minister.
“We regret offering a platform to a person whose conduct and utterances have become a national embarrassment,” the statement added.
This public apology highlights the growing tension within the PDP, especially among leaders who once worked closely with Wike during his time as governor of Rivers State. Wike, a key figure in the party for many years, has remained influential even after leaving office as governor.
However, his recent actions and comments have increasingly put him at odds with other party members, leading to deep divisions within the party.
The Makinde-backed faction also advised individuals who may have been defamed by Wike’s remarks to seek legal action, stressing that the rule of law must apply to everyone, regardless of status.
“No one is above the law,” the group stated, urging those affected to pursue justice through the courts if necessary.
On internal party matters, the faction dismissed claims reportedly linked to Wike regarding the existence of a “National Leader” position within the PDP. It clarified that such a role does not exist in the party’s constitution and should not be used to create confusion among members.
The PDP has traditionally operated with defined leadership structures, including the National Chairman, National Working Committee, and other recognised organs. The introduction or suggestion of new titles not backed by the constitution has often been a source of disagreement within the party.
The statement further assured party members and the public that ongoing activities within the PDP would continue as planned. These include the sale of nomination forms, preparations for party primaries, and arrangements for a national convention.
The faction also hinted that Wike’s recent comments could be linked to dissatisfaction over his perceived inability to influence the direction of the party, especially in decisions related to leadership and the selection of candidates.
Although the statement did not go into details, it suggested that internal disagreements over key decisions, including the emergence of the party’s presidential candidate in past elections, may still be affecting relationships among party leaders.
Wike had previously been involved in high-level disputes within the PDP, particularly around issues of zoning, leadership, and party strategy. These disagreements played a significant role in shaping the party’s performance in recent elections.
The latest exchange of words shows that those divisions have not been fully resolved.
The Makinde camp also addressed legal matters mentioned by the minister in his media appearance. It said it was currently awaiting Certified True Copies of relevant court judgments and challenged Wike and his associates to provide clear explanations on the issues raised.
This indicates that the disagreement between both sides may extend beyond political statements to legal disputes, which could further complicate efforts to unify the party.
The PDP, which ruled Nigeria for 16 years from 1999 to 2015, has struggled with internal crises in recent years. These issues have often led to defections, legal battles, and disagreements among top members.
The current situation involving Wike and the Makinde-backed faction appears to be another chapter in the party’s ongoing struggle to maintain cohesion.
As of the time of filing this report, Wike has not issued an official response to the statement by the PDP faction.
However, given his history of responding strongly to criticism, observers expect that he may react in the coming days, potentially escalating the situation further.
For many Nigerians, the ongoing dispute is a reminder of the challenges facing political parties in the country, especially when internal disagreements become public.
While party leaders continue to exchange words, some citizens have called on politicians to focus more on governance and addressing pressing national issues rather than engaging in public disputes.