The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that any reconciliation effort within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be approached with honesty and sincerity, insisting that his camp remains firmly in control of the party’s structure.
Wike’s position follows Monday’s judgment of the Court of Appeal, which nullified the November 15 and 16, 2025 national convention of the party held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The ruling came alongside an earlier decision of the Federal High Court in Ibadan affirming the legitimacy of the current National Caretaker Working Committee leadership.
Speaking during a meeting with party stakeholders, Wike maintained that while his faction was open to reconciliation, it would only negotiate from a position of strength.
“PDP will never die. There comes a time when you have crises, but those moments are meant for you to put yourself in order,” he said.
“Life is in stages. What is happening is a natural process we must pass through as humans. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation.”
The former Rivers State governor challenged those advocating peace within the party to present clear proposals and avoid what he described as clandestine manoeuvres.
Addressing Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, Wike said reconciliation must be transparent.
“When you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms so that we will know. Bring concrete proposals. Not like the last time you came to me and before I knew it you were in Ibadan for the convention.
“I don’t like those who negotiate at night and come out to shout during the day. Those coming for peace should come in the daytime, not at night.”
The FCT minister also dismissed allegations that his role in the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government made him a “mole” within the PDP.
“It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration. But those who accused me are today in APC, while I, whom they accused, have not left the PDP,” he said.
Wike further ruled out suggestions that a fresh caretaker committee should be constituted to placate aggrieved members ahead of the party’s next national convention.
According to him, arrangements for the convention have already been concluded.
“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. The necessary fees have been paid and the venue has been secured. Nobody should suggest forming another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. The convention must hold and everybody will be allowed to participate,” he stated.
Reacting to threats by some aggrieved members to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Wike said the legal process was open to all parties.
“They said they are going to the Supreme Court. That is fine. The court is for everybody. Even in table tennis someone must lose. There is no tie in this game. We have the upper hand and we will tell you what we want,” he said.
Earlier, Moro acknowledged Wike’s influence in the party and called for compromise among the warring factions.
He disclosed that he had earlier met with another faction led by Tanimu Turaki in a bid to broker peace.
“I bring you solidarity from the National Assembly. The caucus of our great party has always been at the forefront of efforts to keep the PDP united,” Moro said.
He added that the National Assembly caucus under his leadership and that of House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda had resolved to create a platform for dialogue among members.
“Crisis has rocked the PDP for some time. Whether I contest election in 2027 or not, the survival of PDP is paramount to me. Everybody should be willing to make sacrifices,” he said.
In his remarks, Chinda described the Court of Appeal judgment as a lifeline for the party.
“For us, the judgment is not just for PDP but for democracy in the country,” he said.
“You have seen the exodus of our members in the past because of fears about the viability of the platform, but Monday’s judgment has laid all that to rest. Within a short time in the House of Representatives you will see members defecting back to the PDP.”
He added that sustainable peace in the party must be anchored on fairness and justice.
“Yes, we crave peace, but whoever seeks peace must also seek justice. That is the only thing that can guarantee lasting peace,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Imo State chapter of the party and leader of the PDP Forum of State Chairmen, Austin Nwachukwu, said the grassroots leadership was largely aligned with the current direction of the party.
Nwachukwu urged the party to embrace technological reforms in its membership registration process ahead of future elections.
“My colleagues who are state chairmen are pleased with the way things are going. We also urge the party to study the amended Electoral Act carefully, particularly with respect to membership registration,” he said.
The meeting was attended by several party leaders, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu; the Wike backed PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed; the committee’s Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; and Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, among other stakeholders.