The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday declared that his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party remained firmly in control of the party’s structure amid the lingering leadership crisis.
Wike made the remark during the 106th National Executive Committee meeting convened by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the party in Abuja.
The minister said although his camp was open to reconciliation with aggrieved members, such discussions would only take place from a position of strength.
According to him, internal disagreements are part of political development and should serve as an opportunity for the party to reorganise and strengthen its structures.
He said, “The PDP will not die. There are times when crises occur in organisations, but such moments help to put things in order. We are open to reconciliation, but it must be genuine reconciliation.”
Wike also responded to comments by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, who had earlier called for unity among party members.
The FCT minister urged those advocating reconciliation to clearly present their proposals, warning against what he described as secret negotiations.
He said those seeking peace should approach discussions openly and transparently rather than engage in behind-the-scenes arrangements.
Wike further dismissed allegations that his participation in the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government made him a “mole” within the PDP.
He noted that some of those who once accused him had since defected to the APC, while he remained a member of the PDP.
The minister also rejected calls for the establishment of a new caretaker committee, insisting that preparations for the party’s national convention were already in progress.
He stated that necessary arrangements, including securing the venue and paying required fees, had already been completed.
“They say they want to go to the Supreme Court; the court is open to everyone. But we have the advantage and we will state clearly what we want,” Wike said.
Earlier, Moro said the National Assembly caucus of the PDP was committed to ensuring unity within the party.
He revealed that efforts were ongoing to engage different factions with a view to resolving the crisis.
Moro said the survival of the party was more important than personal political ambitions.
Also speaking, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, described the recent Court of Appeal judgment on the party’s leadership dispute as a positive development for both the PDP and Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, the ruling had restored confidence in the party and could encourage some former members to return.
Chairman of the PDP Forum of State Chairmen and Imo State PDP Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, said state party leaders were satisfied with the current direction of the party.
He also urged the party to adopt improved membership registration processes in line with provisions of the Electoral Act ahead of future elections.
The meeting was attended by several party leaders, 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.
