Wike, PDP Stakeholders meet, rally for party survival

…vow to revive party

…warn against ego, impunity

By Ukpono Ukpong

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, yesterday evening hosted a high-powered meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders across the country under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP”, with a strong resolve to rescue and revive the opposition party from its current state of decline.

The meeting, which took place in Abuja, brought together prominent figures in the party including former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), who pledged their commitment to the survival of the PDP.

Also present were the National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda; serving and former federal and state lawmakers, zonal and state party executives, and other influential stakeholders drawn from across the country.

In his remarks, Wike emphasized that the meeting was not just a political gathering but a strategic conversation among genuine party loyalists who believe in the PDP’s future.

He said the group represents individuals who have remained consistent and loyal to the ideals of the party.

“All of you here are those who are committed to the survival of our party not just on TV talking or on the newspapers talking but committed to the party at the various levels,” Wike stated.

He defended the role of the G5 Governors, of which he was a key member, in safeguarding the nation’s stability during the 2023 elections, insisting that their actions were necessary, regardless of who benefited.

“Today, this country is stabilized because of the activities of the G5 Governors. You may like us, you may hate us. The truth of the matter is if G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis. It doesn’t matter who the beneficiary was but the right thing had to be done, and we still stand by that decision,” he said.

Wike expressed deep concern over what he described as impunity within the party, urging leaders to respect the constitution of the PDP and the country.

He also warned that unchecked greed and ego could ultimately destroy the party if not curbed.

“If the party had listened to what we said, we won’t have been where we are today and we have continued to sound it to the party, let the constitution of the party and of the country be respected. That, as an opposition party, we can not continue to act with impunity. No opposition party acts with impunity. Ours is to continue to placate people and bring them together, not to say that they should go to hell. Let us not allow greed, let us not allow ego to kill our party,” he cautioned.

He further criticized the ongoing internal controversies surrounding the position of National Secretary, pointing to similar cases in the party’s recent history that were handled differently.

He cited examples of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi, who both retained their party roles while contesting elections.

Wike said Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba state was the chairman of the party in the state and that he did not resign before contesting for Governorship but only went back to resign after winning the election.

He also said the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, also contested for the Kebbi state governorship and that he retained his seat even after losing the election.

On his part, former Benue Governor Ortom praised Wike’s contributions to the PDP, insisting no one has done more for the party. He said, “He who pays the piper dictates the tune,” challenging critics to point out any individual who has given more to the PDP than the FCT Minister.

Ortom also remarked that Wike’s appointment as FCT Minister by a president from another party was a reflection of his national relevance and recognition of the need for multi-party collaboration.

“For whatever reason, PDP made a lot of mistakes, and we are where we are today,” he added.