The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced his withdrawal from all agreements previously reached to resolve the party’s prolonged disputes.
Wike made this declaration on Sunday, May 25, 2025—just a day before the party’s much-anticipated 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27.
In a strongly worded statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position”, the former Rivers State governor expressed frustration over what he described as continued betrayal, disregard for agreements, and internal sabotage by some party stakeholders, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.
“I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained,” Wike stated.
🔍 Key Issues Raised by Wike:
- Recognition of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP, in line with a Supreme Court judgment.
- Immediate withdrawal of all PDP-related legal suits concerning Rivers State by the National Legal Adviser.
- Rejection of the NEC invitation letter signed by Deputy National Secretary Ude Okoye, which led to INEC’s boycott of the North Central Zonal Congress in Jos.
- Allegations that Makinde and Mbah orchestrated moves to sideline Anyanwu and impose Okoye as acting secretary, violating earlier agreements.
- Accusations of betrayal from key figures he claimed to have supported during the 2023 general elections.
Wike also recounted a series of meetings aimed at mending the party’s internal rifts, including a high-level gathering hosted by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, where resolutions were reportedly agreed upon—but subsequently violated.
“Even before the Saraki-led committee could begin its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached was already being violated,” Wike lamented.
🏛 PDP Responds: “Wike’s Agreements Are Personal”
In response, the PDP has distanced itself from Wike’s claims, stating that any agreements he referenced were personal and not binding on the party.
Daniel Woyengikuro, PDP’s National Financial Secretary, told Vanguard:
“Wike had agreements with his friends—not with the party. The NEC remains the highest decision-making body of the PDP. All this drama is unnecessary.”
A member of the party’s Board of Trustees, Jones Onyereri, also questioned the wisdom of reneging on agreements brokered by respected party elders:
“Why would anyone backtrack on a deal that governors and former governors agreed upon? It reflects poorly on party unity.”
Efforts to reach the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for an official statement were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, Senator Bukola Saraki clarified that his role was strictly that of a mediator. His spokesperson, Yusuf Olaniyonu, stated:
“Senator Saraki acted solely as a peacemaker. He remains optimistic that the party will emerge stronger.”
🏚 Wadata Plaza Among FCTA’s Seizure List
In a related twist, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under Wike’s leadership, has listed Wadata Plaza, the PDP National Secretariat, among 4,794 properties slated for repossession over unpaid ground rents spanning up to 43 years. The action is set to commence today.
🗳️ With the PDP’s NEC meeting on the horizon, all eyes are now on the party’s leadership to see whether they can navigate this storm—or watch it escalate into full-blown political fallout.
