‘No faction in PDP’; Wike offers defectors soft landing
Wike Offers Olive Branch to Defectors as PDP Focuses on 2027 Elections
By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, extended a welcoming gesture to former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday. Wike emphasized that many departures from the party were driven by internal uncertainties rather than disloyalty. He declared that the party is now committed to moving beyond its recent crises and is redirecting its attention toward preparations for the 2027 elections.
Addressing the 108th NEC meeting, which was attended by key party leaders, Wike stated that the PDP has successfully navigated its internal challenges and is now focused on reconciliation and rebuilding trust. He was joined by Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara, the factional National Chairman, Mao Ohuabunwa, the factional Board of Trustees Chairman, and Samuel Anyanwu, the factional National Secretary.
“What demonstrates that you are the authentic PDP is holding your meeting at the National Secretariat,” Wike noted. “If there is any other PDP, let them come to the National Secretariat and hold their meeting.”
Wike urged the party leadership to engage with those who have left, suggesting that many defected due to uncertainties that were prevalent within the party. “Most of them may have defected because of uncertainty. If I want to run for an election and I’m unsure about critical processes, I will look elsewhere for support. However, if approached now, I believe they would reconsider and continue to support this party,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, stating, “I will continue to support the party. Since 1998, I have been a member, and I will not leave.”
Earlier in the meeting, Takushara indicated that the PDP has resolved its internal crises and is now focused on strategic planning and election preparations. “The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consolidation, and electoral preparation has begun today,” he said, emphasizing the party’s commitment to operate within constitutional frameworks and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ohuabunwa echoed the call for unity, stating, “There is no room for exclusion, rather, there should only be room for inclusion, understanding, and collective progress.” He encouraged adherence to party processes and highlighted ongoing reforms, including electronic membership registration, aimed at enhancing transparency.
Anyanwu dismissed suggestions of factional divides within the party, asserting that the PDP remains unified under Takushara’s leadership. “There is only one political party… there is only one leadership of the party. There is no faction within the PDP,” he stated. He urged the media to refrain from narratives that suggest otherwise and announced plans for a reconciliation committee to engage stakeholders nationwide.
In its official communiqué, the NEC praised the National Working Committee for stabilizing the party and expressed confidence in its leadership. The committee confirmed that the PDP is no longer in crisis and will address internal issues through dialogue and established party structures. The NEC also endorsed ongoing reforms aimed at increasing transparency and grassroots participation in advance of the 2027 elections.
The meeting concluded with reminders for members to remain disciplined and prioritize the collective interests of the party.
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