Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the continued survival of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) depends on strict adherence to its constitution and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Wike made this assertion on Monday in Abuja during a strategic meeting with prominent PDP stakeholders, including former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). Also in attendance were Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and federal levels, and various party executives.
Describing the visitors as committed stakeholders, Wike emphasized their belief in the future of the party. He lamented the current challenges facing the PDP, attributing them to the leadership’s failure to heed the advice of the “G5 Governors” — a group of five PDP governors who advocated for equity and fairness during the 2023 election cycle.
“All of you here are committed to the survival of our party, not just by talking on TV or in the newspapers, but through actions at various levels,” Wike stated.
He reiterated that the G5’s push for presidential zoning and rotation helped stabilize the national political landscape.
“Today, this country is stabilized because of the activities of the G5 Governors. You may like us or hate us, but the truth is, if we hadn’t taken the stand we did, Nigeria would be in crisis,” Wike said. “It doesn’t matter who benefited. What mattered was doing the right thing, and we still stand by that decision.”
Wike also criticized what he called “double standards” within the party, questioning why Senator Samuel Anyanwu was barred from returning as PDP National Secretary after his loss in the Imo State governorship election.
He concluded by urging the PDP to return to constitutional values, warning that ignoring internal rules and the national charter would lead to further disintegration.