• Nyesom Wike said the Peoples Democratic Party’s return to its national secretariat proves the Mohammed-led leadership is legitimate
• He challenged rival factions to hold meetings at the same secretariat if they claim to be authentic
• The minister praised loyal party members who remained despite the internal crisis

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party’s return to its national secretariat is proof that the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee is the party’s authentic leadership.

Wike spoke on Monday, April 20, during the PDP’s 108th National Executive Committee meeting at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

He congratulated the Mohammed-led leadership for reclaiming the secretariat after its emergence at the last national convention, saying the move had reinforced its legitimacy.

“Let me first of all congratulate Mr Chairman and his team for their emergence at the last concluded National Convention,” Wike said.

He added, “What shows that you are the authentic PDP is because you are holding your meeting at the National Secretariat. If there is any other PDP, let them come to the National Secretariat and hold their own meeting.”

According to the minister, the party’s decision to return to its headquarters instead of using hotels for meetings sends a clear message about which faction truly controls the PDP structure.

Wike praised party members who remained loyal despite the prolonged crisis rocking the opposition party. He said many members resisted pressure and temptation to leave, proving their commitment to the PDP.

“I know in life there must be a period of crisis,” he said. “Nobody can say that in his or her family everything has been going on smoothly.”

Despite backing the current leadership, Wike urged the National Working Committee not to abandon reconciliation efforts.

He called on the party to reach out to members who had defected and convince them to return.

“So let us not say that those who have defected should be left alone,” he said. “Chairman and your team, make sure you put up a strong committee that will still go ahead and talk to those who have defected.”

Wike argued that many defectors may have left because of uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership and legal battles.

“If, for instance, I want to run an election and I’m not sure who will sign my documents to be presented to INEC, then most people will definitely find where they can get succour,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor also reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, insisting that he has no plans to leave the party.

“Since 1998 till now, I have been a member of the PDP, and I will not leave the party,” Wike said.

He further urged the leadership to embrace transparency and openness, warning that the party would be judged by whether it is able to attract members back.

The PDP has remained deeply divided, with rival factions battling for control of the party.

One faction, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), is backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The rival camp, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Anyanwu, enjoys the support of Wike.

Both sides are pursuing separate court cases.

One of the major legal disputes involves Anyanwu, who recently filed an appeal against a ruling of the FCT High Court that dismissed his suit and upheld his recommended expulsion from the party.

At the same time, the Turaki-led faction has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission, asking the electoral body to withdraw recognition from the Mohammed/Anyanwu faction and the Wike-backed camp.

Makinde describes PDP crisis as difficult moment for Nigeria’s democracy

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, had described the current situation within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a challenging period for both the party and Nigeria’s democratic system following the recent Appeal Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership crisis.

The governor said the political atmosphere in the country remains troubling but expressed confidence that the situation would eventually improve.

Makinde urged party leaders to remain mindful of history while expressing hope that the political tensions would eventually pass.