“PDP Has Tolerated Wike for Too Long” – Ex-National Auditor, Nnaji

The former National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ray Nnaji, has called on the party to take decisive action regarding the ongoing internal conflicts surrounding Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to Nnaji, the PDP has been overly lenient with Wike, allowing him to wield unchecked influence, which has contributed to the party’s present challenges.

In an exclusive interview, Nnaji shared his concerns about the deepening crisis in the PDP, sparked in part by Wike’s contentious statements and behavior. Recently, Wike, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, dared any PDP leader to publicly label him a mole, further fueling internal strife. The minister previously threatened to destabilize PDP-led states, asserting his readiness to “put fire” in those regions without offering any apologies.

Nnaji expressed frustration at the current state of affairs within the PDP, criticizing the leadership’s slow response to the internal crisis. He particularly lamented the delay in replacing the party’s former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, a move he believed would have helped contain the escalating tensions. According to Nnaji, the failure to fill Ayu’s position in a timely manner left a vacuum that allowed the crisis to fester.

“No right-thinking member of the PDP will commend what is happening in the party,” Nnaji said. He argued that the party’s leadership should have acted swiftly to appoint a new chairman from the North Central zone, where Ayu hails from, in order to stabilize the situation.

Nnaji further alleged that Wike, as a former governor of Rivers State, had leveraged his political influence to assist the All Progressives Congress (APC) in gaining power, which eventually earned him a ministerial appointment. He suggested that Wike’s interest in preserving his political influence in Rivers State is central to the ongoing conflict, especially with regards to the 2027 elections.

Discussing the broader implications, Nnaji warned that Wike’s attempt to balance his loyalties between the PDP and APC could ultimately be detrimental to his political career. He urged the party to stand firm and reassert its authority over Wike’s actions to avoid further damage ahead of the next election cycle.

Nnaji also raised doubts about the effectiveness of any reconciliation efforts within the PDP. He questioned whether a proposed reconciliation committee would be able to mediate between Wike and PDP governors, noting that Wike’s desire to control the party structure in Rivers State would likely create more friction with the sitting governor.

In concluding his remarks, Nnaji emphasized the importance of the PDP resolving its internal conflicts if it hopes to effectively challenge the APC in future elections, including the 2027 presidential race.

“The PDP must put its house in order if it wants to liberate the country in 2027,” he added, urging party leadership to act before it’s too late.