The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday evening convened a high-level meeting with influential members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP,” reaffirming the party’s resilience despite internal crises and declaring emphatically, “The party will not die.”
The closed-door session, held in Abuja, brought together Wike’s political peers and long-time allies, including members of the G-5 Governors — former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). While it remains unclear whether Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, another G-5 member, was invited, his absence was noted.
Also present were Wike’s core allies and critical voices within the PDP: the National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda; serving and former federal and state lawmakers; zonal and state party executives; and other influential figures aligned with Wike’s ideological bloc.
Addressing the gathering, Wike stressed that the “Concerned Stakeholders” group is composed of individuals genuinely invested in the PDP’s future.
“All of you here are those who are committed to the survival of our party — not just talking on TV or in newspapers — but actually doing the work at all levels,” Wike said.
He credited the G-5 Governors — himself, Makinde, Ortom, Ugwuanyi, and Ikpeazu — with stabilizing the country through their bold stance during the 2023 general elections.
“Today, Nigeria is stable partly because of the actions of the G-5 Governors. You may like us or hate us, but if we had not taken the stand we took, this country would be in serious crisis. It doesn’t matter who the beneficiary was — the important thing is that the right decision was made, and we stand by it.”
Wike criticised the PDP’s leadership for ignoring the group’s counsel ahead of the elections.
“If the party had listened to us, we would not be where we are today. We have consistently advocated that both the constitution of our party and of the country must be respected. An opposition party cannot afford to operate with impunity.”
He warned that personal ambition must not override collective survival.
“Let us not allow greed or ego to kill our party,” he cautioned.
Wike also addressed recent controversies surrounding the party’s National Secretary position, questioning the inconsistency of those demanding resignations. He cited examples including Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas, who retained his position as state PDP chairman while contesting for governorship, and PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi, who remained in office after losing the Kebbi governorship race.
Backing Wike’s position, former Benue State Governor Dr. Samuel Ortom said, “He who pays the piper dictates the tune,” challenging anyone to show greater commitment to the PDP than Wike.
“No one has contributed to the growth and survival of the PDP more than Wike. Even President Tinubu knows the country cannot be run as a one-party state. That’s why he appointed Wike to the sensitive role of FCT Minister,” Ortom said.
He added, “PDP made several mistakes, and that’s why we are where we are today.”
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