ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting amid escalating internal divisions, particularly involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The decision, officially attributed to ongoing reconciliation efforts led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, comes as the party grapples with mounting calls for disciplinary action.
A notice signed by PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu confirmed that the May 27 meeting would be rescheduled to allow the Saraki-led committee to complete its assignment. The notice also warned against unofficial NEC notices being circulated by the Deputy National Secretary, labelling them illegal and unauthorised.
The postponement highlights the deepening cracks within the party, particularly as acting National Chairman Ilya Damagum criticised the party’s disciplinary committee for its failure to address over 40 petitions, including several linked to anti-party activities allegedly committed by Wike and his allies.
“There were strong grounds to remove Wike and others,” Damagum said during a BBC Hausa interview, adding that the committee’s inaction helped worsen the PDP’s post-election crisis. He accused Wike’s faction of setting the party back and lamented being pressured to now expel the same individuals.
Former PDP National Auditor Ray Nnaji echoed these sentiments, asserting that Wike’s defiance was undermining the party and calling for enforcement of discipline. “This party made him who he is. If he no longer believes in it, he should leave,” Nnaji said.
Board of Trustees member Chief Olabode George also urged the NEC to act decisively, stating that dual loyalty was unacceptable. “Anyone voting for APC while claiming to be PDP must be shown the way out,” he said.
Amid this turmoil, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike issued a strongly worded statement titled PDP Crisis: My Position, where he declared a breakdown in peace efforts and accused Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde of breaching earlier agreements. Wike claimed to have supported reconciliation moves but said persistent violations forced him to withdraw from all accords.
He also insisted on the legitimacy of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, citing Supreme Court backing, and demanded the withdrawal of all legal actions related to Rivers State.
Wike detailed meetings with PDP stakeholders, including governors Makinde, Umaru Fintiri, and Bala Mohammed, where specific resolutions were reached. He accused Bala of using his position as PDP Governors Forum Chair to undermine consensus.
Meanwhile, the PDP National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, dismissed Wike’s statements, declaring his so-called agreements personal and unofficial. “Those were his friends, not the party. The party was not part of those deals,” he said.
Woyengikuro urged restraint, stressing that only the NEC could take definitive actions. “This is not a physical fight. There’s no need for unnecessary drama.”
In contrast, PDP Board of Trustees member Jones Onyereri defended the reconciliation effort, questioning why any party leader would walk back on agreements made with input from respected elders. “It’s not a good look for the party,” he said.
As the PDP delays its NEC meeting, the rift between its factions—centred on trust, loyalty, and constitutional authority—appears to be widening, with no immediate resolution in sight.
