Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed that the intervention of the G5 governors during the 2023 general elections prevented Nigeria from descending into national crisis. He made the statement during a high-level closed-door meeting on Monday in Abuja with prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), convened under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP.”
The meeting brought together key party figures, including three members of the G5 group — former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). While it was unclear whether Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, another G5 member, would attend, the gathering included PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda, and several current and former lawmakers.
Speaking at the meeting, Wike defended the controversial position taken by the G5 governors in the lead-up to the 2023 elections, when they openly opposed the PDP presidential candidate. He argued that their stance, though divisive, was crucial to safeguarding national stability.
“Today, this country is stabilised because of the activities of the G5 governors. You may like us or hate us, but the truth is, if the G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis,” Wike said.
He criticised the PDP leadership for what he described as persistent disregard for the party’s constitution and accused some top figures of putting personal ambition above party unity. Highlighting internal conflicts, he referenced cases such as Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi, alleging that they held party offices while seeking elective positions, a move challenged by party factions.
Wike also emphasised that the gathering was composed of party loyalists committed to reviving the PDP, not media opportunists. “Let us not allow greed or ego to kill our party,” he warned.
In a strong show of support, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom defended Wike’s political influence and praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing him FCT minister, despite his opposition roots.
“He who pays the piper calls the tune,” Ortom said, arguing that no one had contributed more to the PDP’s survival than Wike. He added that Tinubu’s decision was a strategic one to avoid the risk of a one-party state.
The meeting was still ongoing behind closed doors at the time of reporting, with a communiqué expected to be released.
