Wike Insists PDP Reconciliation Must Be Genuine, Says Camp Controls Party Structure

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that any move toward reconciliation in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be pursued with sincerity and transparency, insisting that his camp remains firmly in control of the party’s structure.

Wike made the remarks following a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal which nullified the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

The minister also referenced a judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan that affirmed the current National Caretaker Working Committee leadership structure of the party.

Speaking during a meeting with party stakeholders, Wike said although his camp is open to reconciliation, it would only engage from a position of strength.

“PDP will never die. There comes a time that you have crises, but those are moments for you to put yourself in order. Life is in stages. For me, what is happening is a natural process that we must pass through as humans. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation,” he said.

Wike challenged his political rivals to be clear about their intentions, warning against what he described as secret negotiations.

Addressing Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, he said those advocating reconciliation should present clear terms.

“When you are talking about reconciliation, come with your terms of reconciliation so that we will know. 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 go to negotiate at night and come out to shout in the day. Let those coming for peace come in the daytime and not at nighttime,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor also dismissed accusations that his role in the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government makes 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 all the ones who accused me are today in APC, and me that they accused has not left the PDP,” he said.

Wike also rejected suggestions that another caretaker committee should be formed to placate aggrieved members, insisting that preparations for the party’s next national convention were already in progress.

“The party is working hard for the convention to hold. They have paid the necessary fees and secured the venue. So let nobody bring another suggestion that we should form another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. Convention must hold and we will allow everybody to participate,” he added.

Reacting to threats by some members to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Wike said the legal process was open to all.

“They said they are going to the Supreme Court; it is okay. The court is for everybody. Even in table tennis one must lose. There is no tie in this game. We have the upper hand and we will tell you this is what we want,” he said.

Earlier, Moro acknowledged Wike’s role in the party and called for compromise among aggrieved factions.

He revealed that he had met with a faction led by Tanimu Turaki in a bid to find a solution to the crisis.

“I bring you solidarity from the National Assembly. I want to reiterate very emphatically here that the NASS caucus of our great party has always been in the forefront of having a united PDP,” Moro said.

He stressed that the survival of the party should take precedence over personal ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Whether I contest election in 2027 or not, the survival of PDP is paramount to me. I cannot abandon it. Everybody should accept some level of sacrifices,” he added.

Also speaking, the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, described the recent Court of Appeal judgment as a boost for the future of the party and democracy in the country.

“For us, we are happy that the judgment of Monday is not just for PDP but for democracy in the country,” he said, expressing optimism that more lawmakers may soon defect to the PDP.

Chinda also stressed the need for justice in the reconciliation process, noting that sustainable peace could only be achieved through fairness.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Imo State chapter of the PDP, Austin Nwachukwu, who also heads the party’s Forum of State Chairmen, said grassroots leaders were satisfied with the current direction of the party.

He urged the party leadership to pay close attention to membership registration processes under the amended Electoral Act ahead of future elections.

The meeting was attended by several prominent PDP figures, including former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu, among others.