Nyesom Wike
By Tosin Ogunrinde
The Peoples Democratic Party is embroiled in a power struggle between two main factions led by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State. This internal conflict escalated when Wike’s loyalists forcefully took over the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, prompting a strong reaction from the governors aligned with Makinde.
The takeover led to chaos within the secretariat as some staff members were attacked, prompting the police to swiftly intervene and seal off the building to prevent a further breakdown of law and order. Wike’s supporters have continued to express dissatisfaction with the leadership of Umar Damagum, with grievances centering on unresolved crises over the South-South zonal leadership and the control of party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau states. Disputes over micro-zoning ahead of the convention have further intensified tensions.
Upon assuming the office of National Chairman at the party’s secretariat, Abdulrahman Mohammed, backed by Wike, appealed to members for calm, urging them to shun blame games and work together to restore unity and stability within the PDP. However, the PDP governors’ forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, appear to be standing firm against Wike’s camp. A PDP chieftain with knowledge of the matter said Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, and the remaining five PDP governors under the platform would fight to reclaim the party from Wike’s allies.
The crisis has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some commentators describing it as a battle for control of the party. Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has blamed the lack of cohesion in the management of the party’s internal affairs for the latest crisis rocking the PDP. Ortom emphasized that the party’s strength lies in its diversity, collective wisdom, and democratic culture, and called on stakeholders to support the new leadership. He urged Abdulrahman Mohammed and his team to liaise with the Board of Trustees and other organs of the party to initiate genuine reconciliation efforts that would give every member a sense of belonging.
The internal rift has intensified calls for the removal of the party’s National Chairman, with some accusing him of aligning with Wike to hold down the party. Wike’s perceived influence within the party’s hierarchy has further fueled concerns among his opponents, who believe that his actions could compromise the PDP’s unity and electoral prospects.
