A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pedro Obaseki, has raised allegations against Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, suggesting that Wike is actively undermining the party’s structure to pave the way for his own 2027 presidential ambitions.
Obaseki, who previously served as the Director of Planning and Strategy for the PDP’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, has criticized Wike for what he sees as a self-serving agenda. In a recent interaction with journalists in Abuja, Obaseki labeled Wike as a ‘nobody’ who rose to power thanks to the party’s structures and the support of key members, only to betray them once he attained a position of influence.
The controversy stemmed from Wike’s public statement during an appearance on the Channels Television program, Politics Today, where he called for the suspension of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, along with others like Aminu Tambuwal. Wike argued that such actions were necessary to rebuild the party and address issues of high-handedness, greed, and impunity within its ranks.
Responding to Wike’s remarks, Obaseki asserted, “It is evident that Wike’s primary goal is to secure the presidency of our country, and he is willing to dismantle the PDP if it stands in the way of his aspirations. What we are witnessing is his relentless effort to weaken the PDP, creating an opportunity for himself in 2027. However, we are not oblivious to his intentions.”
Obaseki further cautioned Wike, drawing attention to the need for humility and gratitude. He quoted Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart,” emphasizing that those who had their fortunes elevated by benevolent forces should remain humble. He then highlighted Wike’s political journey, from a local government chairman to a Minister of State, Governor of Rivers State, and now the Minister of the FCT, suggesting a pattern of betrayal along the way.
According to Obaseki, Wike’s ambitions led him to orchestrate the removal of Prince Uche Secondus as the PDP chairman, viewing him as an obstacle to his own presidential bid. Obaseki concluded, “It’s time for the PDP and those committed to strengthening democracy in Nigeria to recognize Wike’s true intentions. He openly claims to be the sole financier of a party founded in 1998, despite its deep-rooted history and the contributions of other leaders.”
Obaseki also questioned why Wike was calling for Atiku’s suspension, arguing that it should be Wike himself who faces suspension from the party. He cited various instances of alleged anti-party activities by Wike, which he claimed had prompted several PDP leaders to defect to other parties.
“In the face of the party’s will, constitution, and structure, Wike campaigned against it. If anyone has engaged in actions contrary to the party’s interests, it is Wike,” Obaseki asserted. “Prominent figures like Bello Matawalle, David Umahi, and Prof Ben Ayade all cited Wike as a reason for leaving the party. He has become synonymous with discord within the PDP,” Obaseki added.
As the PDP navigates these internal disputes, the party faces a critical juncture in its journey towards the 2023 and 2027 elections, with the actions of key figures like Nyesom Wike under intense scrutiny.
