By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has insisted that any reconciliation process within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must recognise his camp as the dominant force, stressing that the party remains strong despite its lingering internal crisis.
Wike spoke against the backdrop of Monday’s Court of Appeal ruling which nullified the November 15 and 16, 2025 PDP National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, and the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan affirming the current National Caretaker Working Committee leadership structure.
The former Rivers State governor maintained that while his political camp is open to reconciliation, it will only participate from a position of strength and influence within the party.
According to him, internal disagreements are part of political evolution and should be viewed as a phase the PDP must pass through in order to regain stability and direction.
“PDP will never die. There comes a time that you have crises, but those grains are for you to put yourself in order. Life is in stages. What is happening now is a natural process that we must pass through,” Wike said.
He, however, warned that those advocating reconciliation must be sincere and transparent about their intentions rather than engage in behind-the-scenes political manoeuvres.
Addressing Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, Wike urged party leaders seeking peace to present concrete proposals instead of vague appeals.
“When you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms of reconciliation so that we will know. Concrete proposal, not like the last time you came to me and before I knew it you were in Ibadan for the convention,” he said.
Wike also criticised what he described as secret negotiations, saying he dislikes those who “go to negotiate at night and come out to shout in the day,” adding that genuine peace efforts must be conducted openly.
The FCT minister further dismissed allegations that his participation in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal administration makes him a “mole” within the PDP.
“It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration, but those who accused me are today in APC, while I remain in PDP,” he stated.
Wike also ruled out suggestions that the party should form a fresh caretaker committee to placate aggrieved factions, insisting that preparations for the next national convention are already underway.
According to him, the party has paid the required fees and secured a venue for the convention, stressing that the transition process must proceed without further disruptions.
Reacting to threats by some members to challenge the Appeal Court ruling at the Supreme Court, Wike said the legal process is open to everyone but maintained that his camp currently holds the upper hand.
Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro acknowledged Wike’s influence within the PDP and appealed for a middle ground to resolve the crisis rocking the opposition party.
Moro said the National Assembly caucus of the PDP had consistently worked towards unity and had initiated consultations with various factions, including the group led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki.
He added that the survival of the PDP must take precedence over personal ambitions, urging party members to make sacrifices for the collective interest of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, described the Court of Appeal judgment as a major boost for the party and for Nigeria’s democratic process.
Chinda expressed optimism that the ruling would restore confidence in the PDP and encourage more politicians to defect back to the party in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the PDP in Imo State and leader of the party’s Forum of State Chairmen, Austin Nwachukwu, said grassroots leaders remain aligned with the current direction of the party.
Nwachukwu also called for the modernization of the party’s membership system to strengthen its structure ahead of future electoral contests.
The meeting was attended by several prominent PDP figures, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu, Caretaker Committee Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu, and Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, among others.
