‘We’ll Negotiate From Strength, won’t shift National convention’ Wike Tells PDP Rivals

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday in Abuja said his group within the Peoples Democratic Party remains in control of the party structure and will only engage in reconciliation discussions from a position of strength.

His comments came after recent court rulings that affected the internal leadership dispute within the party.

Wike spoke during a meeting attended by party leaders and members, where discussions focused on the future of the party and ongoing efforts to resolve internal disagreements. The minister explained that his group was open to reconciliation but insisted that any peace effort must be honest and clear.

The recent Court of Appeal decision had cancelled the national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.

Another ruling from the Federal High Court in Ibadan had earlier supported the current National Caretaker Working Committee that is managing the affairs of the party. These judgments have influenced the present balance of power within the party.

Wike said internal crises are common in political organisations and described the current situation in the party as part of a process that could eventually help the party reorganise itself. According to him, the PDP still has the capacity to recover from its challenges and remain a strong political platform in Nigeria.

While speaking about reconciliation efforts, the minister said those calling for peace must present clear proposals instead of making vague appeals. He also warned against secret negotiations and advised that discussions about unity should be done openly and with honesty.

Wike also responded to allegations that his appointment in the administration of the All Progressives Congress had made him disloyal to the PDP. He said that despite the criticism he had faced, he had remained a member of the party, while some of the individuals who accused him had later joined the APC.

The minister also addressed the issue of the party’s national convention. According to him, preparations for the convention are already in progress and will not be changed. He explained that arrangements such as payment for the venue and other logistics had already been completed, making it unnecessary to create another caretaker committee.

He therefore rejected suggestions that a new caretaker leadership should be formed to satisfy some members of the party. He maintained that the convention would go ahead as planned and that all members would have the opportunity to take part in the process.

Wike also commented on the possibility of further legal actions by opposing members who may decide to challenge the recent rulings at the Supreme Court. He said the legal system allows anyone to seek justice, but added that disagreements in politics often produce winners and losers.

During the meeting, the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, spoke about efforts to reconcile members of the party. He explained that the caucus of PDP lawmakers in the National Assembly had been working toward unity and had already held discussions with different factions.

Moro said the lawmakers believe that the survival of the party should be placed above personal political interests. He added that members must be ready to make sacrifices in order to keep the party united and competitive ahead of future elections.

The House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, also addressed the gathering and described the recent Court of Appeal judgment as a positive development for the party and the country’s democratic system. According to him, the ruling had helped restore confidence among members who were worried about the stability of the party.

Chinda said some politicians had previously left the party due to concerns about its future, but he believes the latest court decision could attract new members back to the PDP. He added that peace within the party must be based on fairness and justice in order to last.

Also speaking at the meeting was the chairman of the PDP in Imo State, Austin Nwachukwu, who represented the forum of state party chairmen. He said many state leaders were satisfied with the direction the party was currently taking.

Nwachukwu also advised the party leadership to improve its membership registration system in line with the provisions of the amended Electoral Act. According to him, better record keeping and digital registration would help strengthen the party before the next election cycle.

Several prominent figures attended the gathering, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu, the Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee Abdulrahman Mohammed, the Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.

The discussions at the meeting reflected ongoing attempts by different leaders of the PDP to resolve internal disputes and prepare the party for future political contests.

Despite the disagreements within the party, many members expressed hope that unity could still be achieved through dialogue and cooperation.