In a growing internal discord within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party has summoned Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, to appear before its newly constituted Disciplinary Committee. This action follows a series of petitions alleging that Wike has engaged in activities detrimental to the party’s interests.
The summons was confirmed by Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, during a televised interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily. Abdullahi revealed that the Disciplinary Committee, led by High Chief Tom Ikimi, had officially requested Wike’s presence to address the allegations of anti-party behavior.
The controversy centers on Wike’s recent public statements, particularly his threat to incite political unrest in PDP-controlled states whose governors have aligned with Siminalayi Fubara, the current Governor of Rivers State. Wike and Fubara have been embroiled in a power struggle over control of the PDP structure in Rivers State, a conflict that has now spilled over into the broader party dynamics.
Over the weekend, Wike, while addressing party stakeholders in Port Harcourt, vowed to resist any attempts to wrest the PDP structure in Rivers State from his control. "Let me tell you people; I hear that there are some governors who said they will take away the structure and give it to somebody. I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states," Wike declared, in a statement that has since drawn widespread criticism.
The PDP leadership has expressed its displeasure with Wike’s rhetoric, viewing it as a direct challenge to the unity and stability of the party. Abdullahi emphasized that while the PDP remains committed to fairness, Wike’s comments were "very disappointing" and not in line with the party's principles. He further highlighted the delicate position the party finds itself in, having to navigate the tension between ensuring discipline and avoiding internal fracturing.
Adding to the drama, the PDP Governors’ Forum, during their recent meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, voiced their support for Governor Fubara, a move seen as a collective rebuke of Wike’s stance. This development suggests that the rift within the PDP, particularly between Wike and the party’s leadership, may be widening.
The situation has also been complicated by the resignation of Chief Bode George from the Disciplinary Committee. George, a long-time ally of Wike, stepped down, citing concerns over the impartiality of the committee—a move that has further fueled speculation about internal divisions within the PDP.
As the PDP grapples with these challenges, the focus now shifts to how the party will manage this latest crisis. Abdullahi assured that the party has weathered more significant storms in the past and expressed confidence that the current impasse would eventually be resolved. However, the outcome of Wike’s appearance before the Disciplinary Committee could have far-reaching implications for his political future and the unity of the PDP.
In the meantime, the political landscape within the PDP remains fraught with uncertainty, as both party leaders and members alike watch closely to see how this high-stakes drama will unfold.
