Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, on Monday evening convened key PDP stakeholders from all 36 states and the FCT under the banner of the “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.”
The gathering resulted in a firm resolution to unite and prevent the collapse of the party.
Among those who attended the meeting were former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Samuel Ortom of Benue, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.
Other notable attendees included the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda; current and former federal and state legislators; as well as various zonal and state party executives, alongside several other key figures.
In his address, Wike emphasised that the stakeholders present are individuals who have consistently believed in and remain committed to the party’s survival.
“You are not just those who talk about the party on TV or in newspapers, but those who are truly dedicated to the party at every level,” he said.
He added, “The stability of this country today is largely due to the actions of the G5 Governors. Whether people like us or not, the reality is that if the G5 had not taken the stand we did, Nigeria would have faced a serious crisis. It does not matter who benefited, the important thing was that the right decision was made—and we stand by that.”
Wike lamented that had the party heeded their advice earlier, the current challenges could have been avoided. “We have continually urged the party to respect both the party’s constitution and the country’s laws.
As an opposition party, we cannot continue to act with impunity. No opposition party anywhere does. Our role is to bring people together, not to push them away.”
He warned against letting greed and ego destroy the party.
Addressing concerns about the focus on the position of national secretary, Wike noted that Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State served as the party chairman in his state while contesting for governorship without resigning, stepping down only after winning the election.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, ran for governor in Kebbi State and retained his party position despite losing the election.
Former Governor Ortom stated, “Those who fund the party call the shots.
He challenged anyone in Nigeria to prove that anyone has contributed more to the PDP’s growth than Wike.
Ortom also remarked that the president recognises the importance of political plurality, which is why he appointed Wike to the sensitive post of FCT Minister.
“For various reasons, the PDP has made many mistakes, and that is why we are where we are today,” he acknowledged.
As of the time of filing rgis report, the meeting was still ongoing behind closed doors, with a communique expected to be released afterwards.
