By Deborah Nnamdi
The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has resolved to put an end to the party’s crisis by scheduling a meeting with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in January.
Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is a key figure in the crisis rocking the party, due to his protracted face-off with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on the one hand, and his former protege and successor, Governor Siminailayi Fubara, on the other.
Wike is a leader of the former G-5 or Group of Five governors, including former governors Okeze Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, and Emeka Ugwanyi, of Abia, Benue, and Enugu respectively, as well as current Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who opposed Atiku’s emergence as PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election.
During an emergency meeting in Abuja on Thursday, PDP BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara emphasized the importance of internal organization within the PDP, stating that the party’s strength lies in collective determination rather than individual ambitions.
Wabara said, “We cannot afford to let personal ambitions or differences overshadow our shared vision for a better Nigeria.
“Let us prioritize dialogue, collaboration, and a sense of shared responsibility as we navigate these trying times.
“To this end, the BoT will begin again to search for peace in the new year, starting with former Governor Nyesom Wike, who the BoT had promised to visit again to seek lasting peace.”
Wabara also criticized the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee for its repeated postponements of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
He expressed concern that the ongoing delays in convening the NEC meeting are eroding the trust and confidence of PDP members.
