Wike hosts high PDP stakeholders in Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday hosted a high-level, closed-door meeting in Abuja with prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.”

The meeting brought together several influential party figures, including three members of the G5 group—former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). The presence of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the fifth G5 member, remained unconfirmed at the time of reporting.

Also in attendance were PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda; a number of current and former lawmakers at both federal and state levels; and party executives from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Wike delivered a candid critique of the PDP’s leadership, defending the controversial decisions taken by the G5 during the 2023 general elections. He argued that the group’s actions, including their opposition to the party’s presidential candidate, were essential to preventing a national crisis.

“Today, this country is stabilised because of the activities of the G5 governors. You may like us or hate us, but the truth is, if the G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis,” Wike said, referencing the group’s resistance to what they saw as a violation of the party’s zoning arrangement.

Wike described the meeting as a convergence of grassroots leaders who remain truly committed to the PDP’s revival—not political opportunists seeking media attention. “Let us not allow greed or ego to kill our party,” he warned, accusing some party leaders of flouting the PDP constitution and operating with impunity.

He cited alleged constitutional breaches involving Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who held party offices while pursuing gubernatorial positions—an issue now stirring internal party disputes.

In his remarks, former Governor Ortom defended Wike’s continued influence in both the PDP and national politics. “He who pays the piper calls the tune,” Ortom said, challenging critics to name anyone who has invested more in the PDP than Wike.

He also praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Wike, a top PDP figure, as FCT Minister, describing it as a strategic move to avoid creating a one-party state in Nigeria.

As of press time, the meeting was still ongoing, with stakeholders expected to issue a communiqué afterward.

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