The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently experiencing a period of calm following the departure of what FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described as “buccaneers and vampires.”
Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja, Wike declared the party’s internal crisis “temporarily over”, though he warned of a potential new conflict if the outcomes of recent zonal congresses are not upheld.
Wike, a vocal figure in the PDP’s recent power struggles, asserted that his firm stance against impunity led to the shedding of the party’s “excess baggage.”
He emphasised the need for the PDP leadership to accept the results of the South-South Zonal Congress, which saw Chief Dan Orbih emerge as National Vice Chairman.
The former governor of Rivers State insisted that the congress, held in Calabar and affirmed by a court ruling, must be recognised to avoid another round of internal turmoil.
He also called for a reassessment of the South-East Congress, stating that the elected candidate, Ali Odefa, is no longer a party member.
During the media chat, Wike also directed sharp criticism at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate.
Wike accused Atiku of being driven by a singular ambition to secure a presidential ticket, a pursuit he claimed has led the former vice president to serially defect from one party to another.
Wike alleged that Atiku’s recent move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was motivated by a realisation that he would not secure the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Wike detailed Atiku’s history of party-switching, citing his moves between the PDP, AC, APC, and back to the PDP, as evidence of a pattern driven solely by presidential aspirations.
He also revealed that he and other PDP stakeholders previously rejected a proposal to make former Senate President David Mark the party’s National Chairman, questioning what positive change Mark, a long-serving politician, would bring to the party.
Wike said he is not willing to listen to individuals who have been in power for years without contributing to national development.
Wike warned that his faction would not tolerate any form of impunity within the PDP.
He urged the party leadership to resolve these outstanding issues before the national convention in November, lest the party be plunged into another round of crisis.
