Anti-party: PDP to Decide on Wike’s Fate Next Week – South-South Chairman

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will make a decision next week on the conduct of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, according to South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi. Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Ogidi revealed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will convene to review Wike’s recent actions, which he described as troubling and contrary to party interests.

Wike has come under increased scrutiny for making demands on the party leadership. In a separate interview on Monday, the minister issued conditions he claimed were necessary for peace within the party. Chief among them was the recognition of the South-South zonal congress organised by his faction, which the PDP leadership had previously rejected. He also demanded the annulment of the South-East zonal congress that produced Ali Odefa and others as leaders.

Wike insisted that the Calabar congress, where Chief Dan Orbih emerged as national vice chairman, must be upheld, warning that failure to do so could lead to a renewed crisis. He questioned the stance of PDP governors during the congress, suggesting their silence undermined objections raised at the time.

Responding, Ogidi noted that the PDP had exercised restraint in dealing with Wike, largely out of respect for his previous contributions to the party. However, he stressed that Wike’s actions now appeared to be serving the agenda of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while also harming it with controversial remarks.

Ogidi stated that although the PDP remains a big political family, there is a limit to tolerance. He emphasized that the time for decisions has come and that Wike’s conduct will no longer be overlooked. He further added that only two major events remain for the party this year – the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the party convention – and that Wike’s efforts to stir fresh internal conflict will not derail these plans.

Ogidi acknowledged Wike’s past influence in the party but warned that such goodwill cannot excuse continued disruptive behaviour. “He has gone too far,” he said, adding that the NWC will not delay in taking decisive action next week.