Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday evening convened a meeting with key members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the platform of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP,” where he declared that the party remains resilient and will not collapse.
Although it was unclear if Oyo State Governor and G-5 member, Seyi Makinde, was invited, three of his G-5 colleagues — former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) — were in attendance.
Also present were PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda; serving and former federal and state lawmakers; as well as several zonal and state party officials.
In his address, Wike commended the attendees for their steadfastness, describing them as individuals truly committed to the PDP’s survival beyond media rhetoric.
“All of you here are genuinely invested in the survival of our party at all levels. The stability Nigeria enjoys today is partly due to the actions of the G-5 governors. Whether we’re liked or not, the truth is that without the decisions we took, this country could have faced a serious crisis,” he stated.
He criticized what he described as internal impunity within the party and urged leaders to respect the PDP’s constitution and national laws. “As an opposition party, we cannot operate with impunity. Our role should be to unite, not divide,” he added.
Wike also addressed internal disputes over party positions, particularly the National Secretary role. He pointed out that precedents exist within the party — citing Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi — where officials retained or resigned their posts after running for elective positions without controversy.
Former Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, echoed Wike’s sentiments, asserting that no one has contributed more to the PDP than the FCT Minister. “He who pays the piper calls the tune,” Ortom said, adding that President Tinubu’s appointment of Wike reflects an understanding that Nigeria cannot function as a one-party state.
“PDP made several mistakes, and that’s why we’re in this situation,” Ortom admitted.
As of the time of filing this report, the meeting was still ongoing behind closed doors, with a communiqué expected to be issued afterward.
