Abuja | May 26, 2025

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Sunday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced his withdrawal from all previous agreements aimed at resolving the party’s lingering disputes. His decision comes just a day before the PDP’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for May 27, 2025.

In a detailed statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” Wike cited dishonesty and betrayal among party stakeholders as the reason for his decision. He specifically accused Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State of undermining the collective efforts to unify the party through backdoor arrangements and disregard for agreed resolutions.

Wike insisted that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary of the PDP, as affirmed by a Supreme Court ruling. He also called for the immediate withdrawal of all legal cases relating to Rivers State and a suit concerning the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. According to him, these issues were part of a gentleman’s agreement reached during several meetings involving key party figures, including a mediation session hosted by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

He alleged that despite those meetings, the resolutions were violated almost immediately. He accused Governor Makinde and his allies of pushing the Deputy National Secretary, Ude Okoye, to act in place of Anyanwu and of bypassing agreed protocols, including sending letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without the proper signatory.

Wike also pointed to the recent North Central zonal congress in Jos, which was aborted after INEC refused to attend due to procedural irregularities involving the signing of the invitation letter. He described the situation as provocative and indicative of a wider pattern of disregard for the rule of law and internal party structures.

The crisis further escalated with the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s move to list the PDP National Secretariat among nearly 4,800 properties to be reclaimed over longstanding unpaid ground rents, a decision seen by some observers as politically sensitive given Wike's position.

In response, the PDP officially distanced itself from Wike’s claims. National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro stated that the agreements mentioned were personal arrangements and not made on behalf of the party. He emphasized that only decisions taken by the NEC or at the party’s convention are binding.

A member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Jones Onyereri, also criticized the breach of trust, lamenting that senior party leaders would undermine agreements facilitated by respected elders.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, through his media aide, clarified that he only acted as a mediator during the meetings and expressed hope that the PDP would ultimately emerge stronger from the current turmoil.

The situation sets the stage for a potentially tense NEC meeting, where party unity and leadership credibility will be put to the test. With upcoming elections, including the Anambra governorship poll, the PDP faces significant pressure to resolve its internal differences and restore cohesion.