Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that no one within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be allowed to use him or his loyalists as bargaining tools in the ongoing crisis rocking the party.
Wike stated this in Abuja while addressing Concerned PDP Stakeholders shortly before a closed-door meeting at his Lifecamp residence, following Thursday’s court judgment that halted the party’s planned national convention.
Those present at the meeting included PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda; Hon. Micah Jiba; the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; and several members of the Board of Trustees, including Senator Mao Ohuabunwa. A number of senators and House members from the South East, South South, and North Central zones were also in attendance.
Wike said those attempting to hijack the PDP’s leadership structure through impunity and disregard for due process would be resisted, stressing that “nobody will use us to negotiate for anything.”
“Let me be clear: nobody, and I mean nobody, will use us to negotiate for anything. We are part of this party; we have sacrificed for it. But we will not allow anybody to trade us off for personal gain,” he said.
The minister, describing the moment as one of “mixed feelings,” commended party members who have remained steadfast through turbulent times, emphasizing that the struggle was not for personal interest but for justice and discipline within the PDP.
“On one hand, I am happy because justice has prevailed. On the other, I am sad because it hurts to see our great party being destroyed from within.
Those of us fighting today are not doing so for ourselves. We are doing it because we want the PDP to stand for something — for due process, fairness, and respect for the law,” he said.
Wike accused some party leaders of arrogance and insensitivity, alleging that they had disregarded the roles played by others in sustaining the PDP over the years.
“Leadership is not arrogance. When people begin to act as though nobody matters, they destroy the same house they built. We stood firm during tougher times, even when the ruling party tried to divide us, and we will stand firm again,” he added.
He berated governors and party officials who, according to him, have failed to unite the PDP at a time when Nigeria needs a strong and credible opposition.
“There can be no credible opposition that operates with impunity. If you say you want to take power from the ruling party, then you must first show Nigerians that you can obey your own rules,” he said.
Taking a swipe at those who believe political power can be bought, Wike said:
“Some think money will solve everything. No, it won’t. There are still people who cannot be bought, no matter how much you offer. We will continue to fight for what is right.”
He praised PDP members who stood as plaintiffs in the recent legal action challenging the planned national convention, commending their courage despite threats and intimidation.
“Many people give up once they are threatened. But these men and women stood their ground. They said, ‘No, we will not allow injustice.’ I salute their courage,” he said.
The minister further accused certain party leaders of violating the PDP constitution by illegally zoning positions and manipulating congresses across the country.
“A few people sit in their homes and decide where positions will go. They even pocket the funds meant for the process. It has never been this bad in the PDP,” he lamented.
Reaffirming his commitment to the party’s unity, Wike urged governors to deploy available resources to develop their states and strengthen the PDP rather than “use the money to kill the party.”
“The funds available to states today are more than ever before. That money should be used to build infrastructure and reduce unemployment — not to weaken our party. We will not agree to that,” he declared.
He maintained that his group remains open to genuine reconciliation but will not yield to blackmail.
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