PDP crisis: Wike hosts stakeholders meeting to save party

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday evening convened a crucial meeting with prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.”

The gathering was aimed at reaffirming the party’s strength and unity amid ongoing internal challenges.

The meeting drew significant attention as it featured key figures from the influential G-5 group a coalition of former governors who have played a critical role in recent PDP politics.

In attendance were former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). Though it remains unclear whether Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the fifth G-5 member, was invited or absent, the turnout was notable.

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Other top PDP figures present included Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary; former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda; various serving and former lawmakers; as well as zonal and state-level party executives.

Addressing the gathering, Wike said the meeting brought together genuine loyalists of the party committed to its survival

He maintained that the decisions of the G-5 governors during the 2023 elections helped prevent political crisis in the country.

“Today, this country is stabilized because of the activities of the G5 Governors. You may like us or hate us, but if G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis,” he said.

Wike warned against impunity and internal divisions, stressing that an opposition party cannot afford to alienate its own people.

He urged members to set aside personal egos and greed for the collective interest of the PDP.

He also criticised the ongoing controversy surrounding the party’s national secretary position, pointing out that precedence exists for elected officers to hold on to party roles until elections are concluded.

Speaking at the meeting, former Benue governor Ortom described Wike as one of PDP’s strongest pillars and noted that it was no surprise the president found him worthy of a sensitive national appointment.

Ortom lamented the PDP’s past missteps and poor leadership decisions, which he blamed for the party’s present troubles.

As of press time, the meeting was ongoing behind closed doors and expected to conclude with a communique addressing the way forward for the party.