Former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that he is prepared to “fight to the finish” within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the internal struggles facing the party. In a recent interview with select media houses in Abuja, Wike stated that he has no intention of leaving the PDP and is ready to confront any challenges that arise within the opposition party.
Wike’s statement came amid growing tensions within the PDP, with several members, including some state governors, facing criticism for their handling of the party’s affairs. The former governor also took aim at the party’s current leadership and some governors, accusing them of failing to use their resources effectively to strengthen the party, particularly in key states.
Speaking confidently about his loyalty to the PDP, Wike made it clear that he is not one to shy away from conflict. He reaffirmed his dedication to the party, despite the challenges it faces, and stressed that he would not be leaving the PDP anytime soon.
“Let me tell you, I’m not leaving that party. I’m not leaving. You see, I don’t run away from fights. I don’t run away. I’m not going to leave this party,” Wike declared. His statement appears to be a direct response to rumors and speculation suggesting that he might consider leaving the PDP over disagreements with some party members and the party’s direction.
Wike has long been a powerful figure in Nigerian politics, particularly in the PDP, where he played a key role in the party’s successes during his tenure as governor of Rivers State. However, in recent months, there have been tensions within the PDP, particularly between Wike and other party leaders, including some state governors.
During the interview, Wike also directed his criticism at PDP governors, accusing them of failing to use their wealth and resources to support and strengthen the party. He argued that the governors have the financial capacity to make significant contributions to the party’s growth but have chosen not to invest in its development.
“The governors have the money, but they are not spending it well. They are not spending money on the party. They are not,” Wike stated. This criticism highlights ongoing concerns about the lack of unity and cooperation within the party, with many believing that the governors have not been as committed to the PDP’s success as they should be.
Wike’s remarks about the governors’ failure to use their resources to strengthen the party come at a time when the PDP is facing significant challenges, including internal divisions and competition from other political parties. The party’s inability to unite behind a common goal has been a major source of concern for many of its supporters.
One of the sharpest points of Wike’s criticism was aimed at the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who he accused of failing to produce a gubernatorial candidate for the PDP in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election. Wike expressed disappointment over the fact that no candidate from the PDP is currently in the running for the position of governor in Anambra, a key state in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
“Look at the Enugu governor—he wants to be the leader of the South East. I agree with that. But as a leader, you must also make sacrifices. Today, in Anambra, nobody is contesting the governorship election under the PDP. Nobody is running for governor under our party,” Wike said. His comments reflect the frustration of some party members who feel that certain governors have not done enough to help the party gain traction in important regions such as the Southeast.
Anambra State has traditionally been a competitive state for the PDP, but the party’s failure to field a candidate for the upcoming election in the state has raised serious questions about its leadership and organizational strength. Wike’s criticism of Governor Ugwuanyi suggests that he believes the PDP’s lack of preparation in Anambra is a direct result of poor leadership and lack of investment from party governors.
As a former governor of Rivers State, Wike remains a powerful figure in the PDP, but his influence within the party has been tested in recent months. His criticism of the party’s leadership and governors points to the larger struggles facing the PDP as it tries to regain ground after its defeat in the 2015 and 2019 general elections.
While Wike has been an outspoken critic of the PDP’s handling of its internal affairs, he has also been a strong advocate for the party’s role in Nigerian politics. He has repeatedly stated that the PDP needs to unite and invest in its future if it hopes to remain a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His comments about the party’s governors reflect a growing sense of frustration among some members of the PDP who believe that the party is not doing enough to strengthen its base and build momentum for future elections.
In particular, Wike’s criticism of the Enugu governor and the failure to produce a candidate in Anambra highlights what many perceive as a lack of focus on crucial state elections. The PDP’s inability to secure strong candidates in key states could undermine its efforts to challenge the dominance of the APC in the coming years.
Despite the tensions within the PDP, Wike’s commitment to the party seems unwavering. His decision to stay and fight for the party, rather than leaving to join another political group, demonstrates his belief in the PDP’s potential and his determination to play a key role in its future. However, with divisions within the party becoming more apparent, it remains to be seen how Wike will navigate the challenges ahead and whether the party’s leadership will respond to his criticism.
The PDP is facing a critical moment in its history, and Wike’s words may serve as both a warning and a call to action for the party’s leadership. If the governors and other key members of the PDP do not work together to address the party’s weaknesses, they risk further alienating their base and losing support from voters across Nigeria.
